Alleged middleman in illegal kidney trade nabbed

Authorities nabbed an alleged middleman in the illegal trading of kidneys online, John Consulta reported Thursday on “24 Oras.''

Identified as John Anthony Gabriel, the National Bureau of Investigation-Anti Organized and Transnational Crime Division (NBI-AOTCD) arrested the suspect in an operation.

The victim, who was reportedly recruited to sell one of his kidneys, was rescued.

“Ang offer niya is P300,000 plus P20,000 na finder’s fee. Naghahanap bale online ng mga bumibili ng kidney. Online din siya naghahanap ng nagbebenta ng kidney,” NBI-AOTCD chief Jerome Bomediano said.

(He offered P300,000 plus P20,000 for the handler’s fee. He searches for people who buy kidneys and those who are willing to sell their organs.)

The victim said he currently works as a call center agent and was enticed to trade one of his kidneys due to financial difficulties.

“Financial problem sir. May babayaran, gusto ko na umuwi ng probinsya, walang pera,” he said.

(Financial problem. I want to return to my province but I don’t have money.)

The suspect said it was his first time to work as a middleman and he was not aware that trading kidneys is illegal in the Philippines.

Bomediano refuted Gabriel’s statement, saying their investigation showed otherwise.

“Base sa investigation namin, specially sa cellphone niya, marami siyang transactions na,” he said.

(Our investigation and his phone records show that he had previous transactions.)

Gabriel is now facing charges of violating the Trafficking in Persons Act in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act.

Meanwhile,  the NBI-AOTCD will conduct a follow-up operation to arrest the suspect’s accomplices.

“Huwag kayo basta basta maniniwala doon sa mga nage-engganyo na magbenta. Palagi namang sinasabi ng DOH (Department of Health) na delikado ito,” Bomediano said.

(Do not believe those who entice you to sell your kidneys. The DOH has repeatedly warned the public that this is dangerous.) — Sundy Locus/VBL, GMA Integrated News