Trafficking in Human Organs: An Emerging Form of White-Collar Crime?

Abstract

This article is based on a review and synthesis of media information and the professional literature relating to international human organ trafficking. The article inquires into the global scarcity of transplantable organs and explores the typical circumstances that surround the sale-for profit-of organs. Factors contributing to the establishment of legal, as well as clandestine, organ markets are discussed, as are the efforts of buyers and sellers of organs to avoid, or to violate, national laws that criminalize the sale and purchase of organs in most Western nations.