Investigating Organ Trafficking and Transplant Tourism, 14 October 2027
Our workshop provides a contemporary snapshot of the current threats, challenges and best practice around organ trafficking and transplant tourism, from the perspective of four leading practitioner experts.
Organ trafficking and transplant tourism represent a multi-billion-dollar illegal global industry that is driven by a shortage of legally sourced organs. Figures show that between five and ten percent of all organ transplants performed globally are illegal.
The illicit market primarily targets the vulnerable who are paid to donate their organs, most frequently kidneys, to wealthy people.
The day will provide an understanding of the differences between organ trafficking and transplant tourism as well as outline details of current threat actors and victims.
We’ll look at the legislation, current legal and ethical guidelines, investigation best practice, current research, the medical perspective as well as thoughts around prevention. This will all help build up a comprehensive picture of current issues and considerations and inform investigations.
It is aimed at investigators and analysts who want to develop and broaden their knowledge and understanding of this challenging area.
Speakers and topics
Organ trafficking networks: how they are organised, how illegal transplants are concealed, the different criminal actors involved, and what can be done to prevent it, Dr Seán Columb, Reader in Transnational Crime, University of Liverpool.
Operation Manoa: an insight into a unique and innovative investigation that led to the UK’s first successful prosecution for human trafficking for the purpose of organ removal under the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
Detective Inspector Esther Richardson (recently retired), from the Met Police Modern Slavery Team, was the Senior Investigating Officer in the case and will talk about key issues including: the victim and defendants, the legislation, the trial and its format and media considerations.
The Medical Profession’s Perspective on Organ Trafficking: a look at the medical background to organ trafficking, why the crime occurs, why there is a market for organs and the responsibilities of the medical profession, Professor Adnan Sharif Consultant Nephrologist and Transplant Physician (University Hospitals Birmingham) and Chair of the Organ Trade and Trafficking working group for the European Platform on Ethical, Legal and Psychosocial Aspects of Organ Transplantation (ELPAT).
Research and Contemporary Issues and Considerations: a look at the complex reasons why people buy and sell human organs and how global criminal networks benefit from these crimes as well as considerations around how to support people who might be vulnerable. Dr Ana Manzano, Associate Professor of Public Policy at the School of Sociology and Social Policy, University of Leeds.
• Held online via Teams
• Certificates of CPD available.
HOW TO BOOK
Cost: £215 + VAT (GBP) per delegate per workshop (LEA and Government Agency rate). £270 + VAT (Industry rate), per delegate
Group bookings: We offer various discounts for group bookings depending on numbers, please contact us for details.
Booking: Please send the delegates name(s), email address(es) and purchase order (made out to The Investigator) to booking@the-investigator.co.uk or telephone +44(0)844 660 8707 for further information.
Payment can be made by PayPal/debit/credit card. The meeting link will be sent out 7 days before the event.