THE GLOBAL TRADE IN NUMBERS

Kidneys are the most frequently transplanted organs worldwide, and that goes for the illicit organ trade as well.

10,000

The WHO estimates that at least 10,000 kidneys are traded on the black market around the world each year – that’s more than one every hour.

Livers are the next most in-demand organ, followed by hearts.

$150k

Lungs are typically the most expensive human organ on the black market, fetching approximately $150,000, followed by hearts at $130,000. Cheapest among the main organs illicitly traded are corneas, which typically cost from $30,000.

$480

The average organ donor, globally, earns $480 a year.

$53k

The average organ recipient earns $53,000.