An increasing demand for, and universal shortage of organs
has resulted in a thriving underground market for organs,
known as The Red Market.

the transport and illegal transplant of organ(s) for financial gain
(donor may have consented to the organ removal and may have received payment / medical care).

the exercise of control over a person in order to illegitimately remove, transport and/or sell organs from their body, for the purpose of transplantation or scientific experimentation.

There are 3 organ trade categories:

1. victims are forced or deceived into giving up an organ;

2. persons formally or informally agree to sell an organ as a means of relieving themselves and their family from financial burdens,
yet are not paid or are paid less than the promised price; and

3. while being treated for an ailment (which may or may not exist),
organs are removed without the victim’s knowledge or consent.

Films offering insight into The Red Market:

Hard to Believe (2015)
The Bleeding Edge (2015)
Human Harvest (2014)
Tales from the Organ Trade (2013)

– Illustration by Abro

Organ trafficking is extremely hidden and as a result, has been very difficult to research and assess. Anecdotal evidence suggests that it is occurring in Canada, but more needs to be done to learn about it and to respond to it appropriately.

According to a report by Organs Watch, Canada is one of the major organ-importing countries in the world. (SOURCE) (page accessed Sept 5, 2016)

The United Nations claims that human trafficking for the purpose of organ removal and/or harvesting is going to increase exponentially in the following years as it did in the last decades. (SOURCE) (page accessed Sept 5, 2016)

If you require information or would like to get involved in the fight against trafficking of persons for the purpose of organ harvest/removal, please send an email to