The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has debunked viral social media allegations linking an Indian national, Bellamkonda Ram Prasad, to an organ trafficking syndicate in Kenya.
— DCI KENYA (@DCI_Kenya) January 7, 2025
The rumors stem from a widely shared post claiming Prasad—also known as Prathapan—escaped police custody in India, entered Kenya in December 2024, and was operating a kidney harvesting network targeting young Kenyans under 30. The post even alleged that the DCI was offering a cash reward for information leading to his arrest.
DCI Refutes Social Media Claims
Labeling the post as fake, the DCI flagged it as a malicious attempt to spread fear and misinformation. The agency emphasized that it has no evidence connecting Prasad to any operations in Kenya and urged the public to disregard the baseless claims.
“The Directorate has not launched any investigations or manhunt for the said individual,” the DCI stated. “We call upon social media users to verify information before sharing, as such posts may cause unnecessary alarm.”
The post had gained significant traction, with many Kenyans raising concerns about the alleged presence of organ trafficking syndicates in the country.
Prasad’s Arrest in India Confirmed
Investigations by Kisasa News have confirmed that Bellamkonda Prasad was arrested in India in June 2024 for his alleged involvement in a massive organ trafficking network.
Reports from Indian media outlets, including NDTV, revealed that the 41-year-old businessman from Andhra Pradesh was apprehended by Kerala police in connection with an international organ trade racket.
Prasad, a prominent real estate entrepreneur in Hyderabad and Vijayawada, reportedly facilitated the illicit trade of organs by recruiting donors from rural villages in Andhra Pradesh. Authorities believe he played a central role in over 60 percent of organ transplants arranged by the syndicate, leveraging local labs in Hyderabad for compatibility testing.
The Global Organ Trade Network
Police investigations linked Prasad to operations in Iran, Cambodia, and Sri Lanka, where victims were transported for organ transplants. He is said to have posed as a doctor to gain the trust of uneducated villagers, many of whom were exploited for their organs.
Indian police discovered that Prasad initially attempted to sell his kidney before becoming a key middleman in the organ trade. Operating from a makeshift clinic in Hyderabad, he allegedly worked with a network of traffickers, offering substantial financial incentives to desperate villagers.
Public Awareness and Accountability
The DCI’s swift response to the false claims highlights the growing challenge of managing misinformation in the digital age. While Kenya grapples with concerns about human trafficking, authorities stress the importance of verified information to avoid unnecessary panic.
As for Bellamkonda Ram Prasad, his case remains a subject of investigation in India, where authorities are unraveling the extent of his role in the global organ trafficking syndicate.
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