FIA Busts Alleged Placenta Smuggling Network, Arrests Five in Islamabad
The Placenta Smuggling Network was allegedly dismantled after the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) conducted raids in Islamabad. Officials arrested five suspects, including three Chinese nationals, during operations in the F-7/1 and E-11 sectors. Investigators also uncovered two illegal facilities that allegedly processed human biological materials. The FIA has launched a detailed investigation to determine the full scope of the operation.
FIA Seizes Biological Materials and Processing Equipment
According to the FIA, the arrested Chinese nationals are Li Ganglei, Wang Bao, and Pengfei Gao. The Pakistani suspects are Waqas Sarwar and Qaiser Hanif. Authorities allege that the group collected, processed, and exported human placenta by falsely declaring it as “sheep placenta.” The shipments were reportedly destined for Vietnam.
During the raids, FIA teams seized processing machinery, finished products, and several biological samples. Officials also recovered suspected human organs and tissue from the facilities. They sent all seized materials to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for forensic examination. Laboratory experts will determine the exact nature of the recovered samples.
Investigation Expands as FIA Hunts More Suspects
Investigators believe the Pakistani suspects worked as drivers and facilitators for the Chinese nationals. They allegedly helped collect and transport human biological materials from different cities. According to preliminary findings, the network obtained human placentas from hospitals in Peshawar, Rawalpindi, and Lahore. The materials were then transported to Islamabad for processing.
The FIA claims the processed placenta was intended for export and may have been used in pharmaceutical and medical products. However, officials are waiting for forensic results to confirm the nature of the seized materials. Authorities say the suspects operated through an organized network with local support. As a result, investigators are now searching for other individuals who may have been involved. The FIA has registered a case under the Human Organ Transplant Authority (HOTA) Act, 2010. Meanwhile, forensic analysis and further investigations continue.
