Kosovo has been shaken by the indictments brought against a group of seven people for participation in the international organ-trafficking network, which was led by a renown surgeon and professor at the Pristina University Hospital, released the New York Times.

The article estimates that the case of organized organ-trafficking represents a test for legal institutions and rule of law at the moment when Kosovo is trying to overcome “a culture of endemic lawlessness and corruption that has reached the highest levels of government.”

At least seven people have been charged with participating in the trafficking of kidneys and other organs of the underprivileged victims for USD 200,000 to patients from distant countries such as Israel and Canada, police and senior European Union officials said Monday

“According to the indictment, the traffickers lured people from slums in Istanbul, Moscow, Moldova and Kazakhstan with promises of up to USD 20,000 for their organs. Law enforcement officials say many never received a cent,” the article reads.

The New York Times writes that the operations were performed at a private clinic on the outskirts of Pristina, and that the ring was discovered two years ago, but that its scope “is only now becoming clear”.

“Officials said the ringleader was a highly regarded surgeon and professor at Pristina University Hospital, Dr Ljufti Dervisi. The clinic was run by his son, Arban. Also charged was Iljir Recaj, a senior official in Kosovo's Health Ministry when the ring was broken,“ the article reads and adds that they were all released on bail.