China’s Forced Organ Harvesting: A System of Persecution and Profit

For over two decades, allegations of forced organ harvesting in China have surfaced, implicating the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in a systematic abuse of prisoners of conscience. Recent testimonies and investigations reveal a deeply disturbing practice that extends beyond initial reports, raising concerns about a continuing crime against humanity.

The Testimony of Hu Liren: Inside Shanghai’s Organ Harvesting Network

Hu Liren, a former Shanghai entrepreneur with decades of experience in internet and investment companies, has provided firsthand accounts of the CCP’s organ harvesting practices. In interviews published in February 2026, Hu detailed witnessing daily deliveries of organs to the surgical wing of Zhongshan Hospital, a prominent medical institution in Shanghai.

Hu recounted a conversation with a Shanghai prison official who confirmed that organs were sourced from Falun Gong practitioners held in custody. His testimony spans over two decades, beginning with the nationwide crackdown launched in 1999 by then-CCP General Secretary Jiang Zemin against the spiritual practice of Falun Gong.

Zhongshan Hospital: A Hub for Organ Transplants

Hu’s most significant testimony centers on Zhongshan Hospital, where he observed a steady stream of organ transport cases. During a visit while his father received treatment, he encountered a patient awaiting a liver transplant who spoke of a coordinated network of patients using the QQ messaging platform to connect with organ sources. The patient revealed that Zhongshan Hospital performed roughly two to three organ transplant surgeries daily, with the organs sourced from Falun Gong practitioners.

Hu observed staff carrying insulated transport cases into the operating rooms daily, describing the scene as “terrifying.”

Confirmation from a Prison Official

At a dinner gathering, Hu questioned a Shanghai prison system official about the presence of Falun Gong practitioners in prisons. The official confirmed their large numbers and, when pressed about organ harvesting, reacted with startled recognition, revealing his involvement with Qingpu Prison, a facility known for detaining Falun Gong practitioners.

The Persecution of Falun Gong and its Impact on Families

The CCP’s persecution of Falun Gong, initiated in 1999 under Jiang Zemin, targeted millions of practitioners, including many educated professionals. Hu Liren described cases of individuals and families who disappeared after practicing Falun Gong, highlighting the CCP’s ruthlessness.

One case involved Zhao Jun, a professional whose family had received stipends from the State Council. After experiencing health improvements through Falun Gong, Zhao and his family were arrested and subsequently vanished. Hu noted the involvement of Wu Zhiming, Jiang Zemin’s nephew and the city’s police chief, in overseeing the Falun Gong persecution in Shanghai.

The Awakening Through Banned Texts

The circulation of the Nine Commentaries on the Communist Party, a banned text exposing the CCP’s history, played a role in shifting perspectives. Hu’s employees, including a Peking University graduate, underwent a transformation in their views after reading the text, which detailed decades of political campaigns and repression.

International Investigations and Ongoing Concerns

The World Organization to Investigate the Persecution of Falun Gong (WOIPFG) has documented a surge in organ transplant operations in China since 1999, far exceeding the capacity of voluntary donations. The organization has identified hospitals and doctors involved in harvesting organs from living Falun Gong practitioners and tracked the expansion of China’s transplant industry.

WOIPFG director Wang Zhiyuan warned that the forced organ harvesting has expanded beyond Falun Gong practitioners to the broader Chinese population, urging vigilance and action to stop this alleged crime against humanity.

Key Takeaways

• The CCP has been accused of systematic forced organ harvesting, primarily targeting Falun Gong practitioners.
• Testimonies from individuals like Hu Liren provide firsthand accounts of the practice within Shanghai’s medical and prison systems.
• International investigations have documented a significant increase in organ transplant operations in China since 1999.
• The practice raises serious ethical and human rights concerns, prompting calls for investigation and accountability.