Archive · 20 Nov 2025
Organ Trafficking Ring Busted in Kerala
A group of people in Kerala was arrested for allegedly trafficking others to Iran to harvest their organs.
The main suspect, Madhu Jayakumar, ran a health club called Stemma Club, which was used to launder money from the illegal organ trade.
The victims were mainly from southern Indian states, and the recipients were from northern states.
The network charged a lot of money for each organ transplant.
Madhu Jayakumar arrested for allegedly trafficking people to Iran for organ harvesting
NIA found evidence of money laundering through Stemma Club health club in Kochi
Victims primarily from southern Indian states, recipients from northern states
Network charged up to Rs 50 lakh per transplant, Rs 6 crore traced in Sabith's account
Jayakumar, Sabith Nasar, Sajith Shyam arrested; Bellankonda Ram Prasad also involved
- Who
- Madhu Jayakumar, Sabith Nasar, Sajith Shyam, Bellankonda Ram Prasad, and others
- What
- Allegedly trafficked people to Iran for organ harvesting and money laundering
- When
- Arrests made in November 2022, with Sabith first intercepted in May 2022
- Where
- Kerala, India; Iran
- Why
- To harvest organs for transplant and amass illegal wealth
Prosecution
Defense
Evidence of money laundering
Prosecution
NIA found evidence of money laundering through Stemma Club
Defense
Defense may argue lack of concrete evidence linking Jayakumar to money laundering
Victims' consent
Prosecution
Prosecution may argue victims were threatened and forced into organ donation
Defense
Defense may argue victims consented to organ donation for financial gain
- Number of arrests
- 4
- Estimated amount charged per transplant
- Up to Rs 50 lakh
- Total money traced
- Rs 6 crore
- Victims' origin
- Telangana, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh
- Recipients' origin
- North Indian states
