iPad 2 Bought With Black Market Kidney: Chinese Student Not Doing Well Post-Surgery

A 17-year old Chinese student identified only by the surname Zheng sold his kidney on the black market so that he could buy an Apple iPad 2.

I wanted to buy an iPad 2, but I didn't have the money, the now-ailing boy told Shenzhen TV in the southern province of Guangdong. When I surfed the internet I found an advert posted online by agent saying they were able to pay RMB20,000 [over $3,000] to buy a kidney.

After agreeing to the transaction, Zheng traveled to Chenzhou City in Hunan Province, and had his right kidney removed at Chenzhou No. 198 Hospital. He was reportedly sent home immediately after the surgery, cash in hand.

Zheng's mother was suspicious when he came home with a brand-new Apple tablet, and he subsequently confessed. His mother contacted the police and authorities have opened an investigation.

Although selling organs on the black market is illegal, the practice is still relatively common in China, due in large part to the scarcity of legitimate organ donors.

According to a PC World article, the hospital was not properly equipped to perform organ transplant surgery, and have claimed they have no knowledge of Zheng's surgery. Apparently the urology department at the hospital had been contracted out to a Fijian businessman.

PC World added that the boy's health continues to deteriorate but no further details were given.