Illegal networks are actively operating in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan
The situation with the black market for organ trade in Central Asia continues to pose a serious threat. This was stated by Darya Saprynskaya, an Orientalist and research fellow at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
Despite the introduction of strict measures in legislation (in particular, reforms in Uzbekistan in 2022), this region remains an active zone for such illegal schemes. In 2025, a group of 12 people engaged in organ trafficking was uncovered in Uzbekistan, and similar activities were reported from Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.
Among the factors complicating the fight against this problem are the following:
- Geographic features and the presence of "gray zones." Proximity to South Asia, known as the center of this business, and disputed border areas create conditions for almost unimpeded activities of criminal groups.
- Legal cover. Tracking such operations is extremely difficult, as they are disguised as voluntary donations. People often sign consent forms, turning medical services into criminal schemes.
- Social vulnerability. The least affluent segments of the population, including women and children, are at risk. In conditions of demographic pressure and lack of social benefits, criminal organizations exploit poverty as an "entry point" into their schemes.
According to Saprynskaya, "in this criminal chain, donors in Central Asian countries can receive between $1,000 and $10,000, while organizers and couriers can earn up to $400,000 per transaction."
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