Black Market Organs (Full Episode) | Trafficked with Mariana van Zeller

National Geographic2 minutes read

Organ trafficking is a global issue, with black market organs sourced from various countries, leading to high prices and challenging ethical dilemmas for patients like Garrett and Juan. The trade involves vulnerable populations, criminal groups, and wealthy doctors, highlighting the complex nature of the illegal organ market.

Insights

  • Organ trafficking is a lucrative global trade, with kidneys being sold for exorbitant amounts, highlighting the desperation of patients like Garrett who face long wait times for transplants.
  • The Black Market organ trade involves complex networks spanning continents, involving criminal groups like the Clan Del goo in Colombia, with ethical dilemmas arising as individuals navigate survival against the backdrop of illegal organ transactions.

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Recent questions

  • What is organ trafficking?

    The illegal trade of organs for transplantation.

  • How does organ trafficking impact patients?

    Patients face long wait times and health risks.

  • Where does organ trafficking occur?

    Organ trafficking is prevalent in various regions globally.

  • How do criminal groups profit from organ trafficking?

    Criminal groups exploit vulnerable individuals for financial gain.

  • What are the ethical implications of organ trafficking?

    Organ trafficking raises concerns about consent and exploitation.

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Summary

00:00

Global Organ Trafficking: A Deadly Trade

  • Organ trafficking is a global issue, with people selling kidneys for over $200,000.
  • The trade originates from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, with a village where over half the residents have sold kidneys.
  • Patients like Garrett rely on dialysis while waiting for a kidney transplant, facing a 7-year average wait time.
  • In the US, 17 people die daily waiting for organs, with over 39,000 receiving transplants in 2020.
  • Black market organs are prevalent, with at least 10% sourced from countries like the Philippines, China, and India.
  • Organ trafficking is challenging to report due to poor victims, medical tourists, and wealthy doctors' involvement.
  • Colombia is emerging as a hub for organ trafficking, controlled by cartels like the Clan Del goo.
  • The Daran Gap is crucial for smuggling organs, with a short window for transplantation.
  • Migrants in Colombia face rumors of organ harvesting, but evidence is scarce.
  • Criminal groups in Mexico scout donors, conduct exams, and sell organs to Americans and Mexicans.

29:36

Black Market Organ Trade: Ethical Dilemmas

  • The demand for Black Market organs is met with a steady supply provided by patients at a local medical clinic.
  • Some individuals are forced to sell their organs rather than doing so willingly.
  • Doctors at the clinic test Black Market donors and recipients for compatibility before handing results to transplant surgeons.
  • An organ recipient, Juan, paid over $200,000 for a pancreas transplant obtained through a cartel connection.
  • Ethical arguments regarding the Black Market organ trade hit a wall when it comes to survival, prompting individuals to make difficult choices for themselves or their loved ones.
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