Israel: Alleged Mastermind of Kosovo Organ Trafficking Reported Arrested

Published: 25 May 2012

By

Turkish-born Israeli doctor Moshe Harel may have been arrested on Thursday, EU special prosecutor Jonathan Ratel said. An alleged ring-leader of an international organ trafficking ring, Harel is suspected of organizing 30 illegal kidney transplants at the Medicus clinic in Pristina, Kosovo in 2008.

"We have received information that Moshe Harel has been arrested in Israel on organ trafficking and other related offences. We are seeking confirmation with the Israeli authorities," Ratel told the Agence France-Presse (AFP).

Harel was arrested in Pristina in November 2008, but fled the country after he was released on bail by a United Nations judge. Kosovo subsequently issued an international arrest warrant for Harel.

News reports have surfaced that he was arrested Thursday.

“We are seeking confirmation with the Israeli authorities,” Ratel said.

Last week Israeli police arrested ten people believed to be involved in the organ trafficking ring headed by Harel.

Seven people are currently on trial in Pristina in the Medicus case. The case is being prosecuted by the European Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX).