The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has dismantled an alleged international human placenta smuggling network and uncovered two illegal human biological material processing facilities in Islamabad, arresting five suspects, including three Chinese nationals.
Raids and Arrests
According to an FIA spokesperson, the suspects were arrested during raids in Islamabad's F-7/1 and E-11 sectors. The arrested Chinese nationals were identified as Li Ganglei, Wang Bao and Pengfei Gao, while the Pakistani suspects were identified as Waqas Sarwar and Qaiser Hanif.
The FIA alleged that the group was involved in collecting, processing and exporting human placenta by falsely declaring it as "sheep placenta" for shipment abroad, particularly to Vietnam.
Seized Materials and Evidence
During the raids, officials recovered processing machinery, finished products and biological samples, including suspected human organs and tissue. The seized materials have been sent to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for forensic examination to determine their exact nature.
Investigators said the Pakistani suspects allegedly acted as drivers and facilitators for the Chinese nationals, assisting in the procurement and transportation of human biological materials.
Source of Biological Materials
Preliminary investigations revealed that human placentas were allegedly collected from hospitals in Peshawar, Rawalpindi and Lahore before being transported to processing facilities in Islamabad. According to the FIA, the processed placenta was intended for export, where it is believed to be used in the production of pharmaceutical and medical products.
Legal Action and Ongoing Investigation
The agency said the suspects had established a well-organized network with the help of local facilitators and that efforts were underway to apprehend other individuals allegedly linked to the operation. A case has been registered against the suspects under the Human Organ Transplant Authority (HOTA) Act, 2010, while further investigations are in progress. The FIA said forensic analysis is continuing, and the exact nature of all seized biological materials will be confirmed after laboratory testing.
