Illegal organ removal / Forced organ removal

‘Illegal organ removal’ refers to the unlawful removal and subsequent trade in human organs (often kidneys or livers) for the purpose of transplantation without the consent of the person concerned. As a form of exploitation in the context of human trafficking, the relevant elements of human trafficking must apply here: for example, the persons concerned are given incomplete or false information or only agree to a transplant under duress or because of an emergency situation. The removal is carried out for the financial or personal gain of third parties.  

In most cases, people in precarious situations are specifically targeted or pressured to donate an organ in exchange for payment or under false promises. Organ removal often takes place under unhygienic and poor conditions (and without adequate aftercare). 

Human traffickers often exploit economic and/or personal emergencies to pressure people into donating organs.