Urban Legend Medicine History

Organ Thieves Steal Kidneys from Tourists

A widespread myth with no verified cases

Criminals knock out tourists, steal one kidney, and leave them in bathtubs to wake up with a surgical scar.

The kidney theft urban legend became widespread in the 1990s but has never been verified by police or medical professionals. Organ theft is logistically implausible, organs require immediate transplantation, specialised teams, and hospital facilities. The FBI and WHO found no documented cases.

Believed Since 1990
Year Revised 2000
Why Changed Never True
Confidence Fully Debunked
Region Worldwide

Reception

8/10
8/10

Sources

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