FIA Busts International Human Placenta Smuggling Network in Islamabad, Five Suspects Arrested

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has dismantled an alleged international human placenta smuggling network and uncovered two illegal facilities involved in processing human biological materials in Islamabad.

According to FIA officials, five suspects were arrested during raids in Islamabad’s F-7/1 and E-11 sectors. The suspects include three Chinese nationals—Li Ganglei, Wang Bao, and Pengfei Gao—and two Pakistani citizens, Waqas Sarwar and Qaiser Hanif.

Investigators alleged that the group collected, processed, and attempted to export human placentas by falsely declaring them as “sheep placenta” for shipment abroad, particularly to Vietnam.

During the operation, FIA 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 analysis to determine their exact nature.

Preliminary investigations revealed that human placentas were allegedly collected from hospitals in Peshawar, Rawalpindi, and Lahore before being transported to processing facilities in Islamabad. Authorities believe the processed biological material was intended for export for use in pharmaceutical and medical manufacturing.

Officials further stated that the Pakistani suspects allegedly acted as drivers and facilitators, assisting the Chinese nationals in collecting and transporting human biological materials. The FIA believes the suspects had established a well-organized international network with the support of local facilitators, while efforts are underway to arrest additional individuals linked to the operation.

A case has been registered against the suspects under the Human Organ Transplant Authority (HOTA) Act, 2010. Investigators emphasized that forensic examinations are ongoing and the exact nature of all recovered biological materials will be confirmed after laboratory testing.