I’ve always naively assumed that organ harvesting was little more than a cinematic trope. Numerous films and television shows have used that very premise in an attempt to terrify viewers. Turistas, Coma, and Nip/Tuck are a few examples I can call to mind off the top of my head. But it turns out there actually is a black market for human organs. And the real-life practice of illegal organ harvesting is every bit as frightening as Hollywood makes it seem.
News recently broke of an organ harvesting ring out of Pakistan. Authorities believe the operation was active in the eastern Punjab province and Kashmir. The outfit is believed to be responsible for the theft of more than 300 kidneys. Dr. Fawad Mukhtar, the alleged ringleader of the operation, has previously been arrested five times for malpractice but made bail each time.
We don’t know about you, but the idea of professional kidney thieves reminds us of a particular famous urban legend. Horror fans might remember it being recreated for the opening of the underrated 2000s sequel Urban Legends: Final Cut. Here’s a refresher for those who are interested:
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Mukhtar reportedly used an auto mechanic as his recruiter, luring vulnerable patients from hospitals to involuntarily give healthy organs to wealthy patients in need of a transplant. The mechanic also doubled as a surgical assistant to Mukhtar.
According to the chief minister of the Punjab province of Pakistan, Mohsin Naqvi, each kidney was sold for as much as $120,000 USD (10 million rupees).
At a press conference, Mr. Naqvi said “The facts and figures that have come to us make the heart tremble.” He continued by saying, “There are a lot more transplants and illegal surgeries than this. These are the ones that we have confirmed.”
That’s all for this installment of Horror IRL. Stay tuned to the site for more shocking true crime news as we learn it. And be sure to follow us on Twitter so you never miss an update.
Categorized: Horror IRL News
