Israeli police arrest 6 suspects in nationwide organ trafficking ring

Israeli police arrest organ trafficking suspects

JERUSALEM — Israeli police say they have arrested six people suspected of running an illegal nationwide organ trafficking ring.

Police say the ring offered donors up to $100,000 per organ, but did not deliver the payments after at least two kidney transplants took place. The victims of the plot were flown overseas for the procedures and often returned home empty handed and with medical complications. Israeli law bars organ sales.

Police say one of the suspects arrested is a retired Israeli general.

The police said Wednesday they have been conducting a monthslong undercover investigation into the trafficking ring and further arrests were expected.