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Rabat – Four suspects, including three women, have appeared before the public prosecutor’s office at the Casablanca Court of Appeal for their alleged involvement in a human organ trafficking and drug smuggling criminal network
Moroccan security services opened an investigation after they identified social media posts, offering services for the removal of human organs, particularly kidneys, a statement from Morocco’s General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) said on Tuesday.
Judicial police and Morocco’s General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance (DGST) began their investigations after social media posts offering human organs removal in private clinics located outside of Morocco, in exchange of money in foreign currencies, were identified.
A preliminary investigation enabled police to identify four suspects, including three women for their alleged involvement in the case.
The suspects are allegedly involved in displacing people abroad for organ removal in Turkey.
The criminal network is also accused of exploiting victims to smuggle drugs, including cannabis both inside and outside of Morocco.
DGSN said that investigations enabled police to seize money in national and foreign currencies, which is suspected payment for organ trafficking and drug smuggling.
Police also seized money transfer receipts, blood tests linked to several victims, cannabis, as well as phone devices.
All of the suspects are in custody pending further investigation, DGSN said.
Search and coordination operations are ongoing with the Interpol Ankara office in Turkey to arrest all accomplices.
A 2021 Interpol report outlined the increase in human trafficking for organ removal in North and West Africa.
The report assessed the human trafficking for organ removal, emphasizing that it is of particular concern in North and West Africa “where impoverished communities and displaced populations are at great risk of exploitation.”
The assessment found that criminal groups exploit the desperation of unemployed people, as well as migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees to convince them into selling their organs.
“Victims of human trafficking for security and labor purposes also find themselves at additional risk,” the report finds.
