Organ trafficker wanted by Interpol found in Turkey: He allegedly bought organs from refugees

It has been revealed that Israeli organ trafficker Boris Wolfman, who is wanted by Interpol with a red notice, has been living in Turkey for seven years. It is alleged that Wolfman came to the country to purchase organs from Syrian refugees.

ORGAN TRAFFICKING NETWORK

According to the report by Artı Gerçek, the Israeli Ministry of Justice prepared an indictment against seven people, including Boris Wolfman, in October 2015. The indictment stated that they had established an international organ trafficking and illegal organ transplant network in Kosovo, Azerbaijan, Sri Lanka, and Turkey. Israeli authorities emphasized that the gang led by Wolfman harvested organs from poor people and transplanted them into wealthy Israeli, Indian, and European patients.

ISRAEL-BASED HOSPITAL ALLEGATION IN THE INDICTMENT

According to the indictment, the organ trafficking was conducted through an Israel-based hospital named 'Rabin Medical.' It was noted that doctor Yusuf Erçin Sönmez, who performed the organ transplants in Kosovo, also played an active role in this network.

ARRESTED AND TRIED IN TURKEY

Boris Wolfman was arrested at Istanbul Airport on December 4, 2015, on charges of "international organ trafficking and causing death with intent."

Although the Israeli government requested his extradition, a Turkish court decided that Wolfman should be tried in Turkey. The prepared indictment included the allegation that Wolfman came to Turkey to purchase organs from Syrian refugees.

Wolfman, who is also alleged to have made agreements with small hospitals in Turkey for the removal of kidneys from Syrian refugees, was accused, along with doctor Yusuf Erçin, of organizing organ trafficking and illegal transplants in Russia, Ukraine, Austria, and Azerbaijan.

On November 9, 2018, Wolfman established a company named "Royal İnnovasyon" under the name Özkan Çelik. The company operated in many fields, from health tourism to the trade of fresh and dried fruits, and iron and steel exports. The Zorlu Center in Istanbul was listed as the company's headquarters.

Boris Wolfman, who gave statements to national and international press, claimed to be one of the leading figures in Turkish agriculture. He also claimed to provide consultancy services to Turkish investors on leasing and operating land in Africa.