Doctors accused of organ trafficking are released – and back on the job

October 17^th, 2013 (InsideCostaRica.com) Three doctors employed by the Calderon Guardia Hospital, as well as a Greek national who owns a pizzeria near the hospital, have been released from custody – and are back on their jobs.

The doctors are accused of being part of an illicit kidney trafficking ring.  The pizzeria owner is accused of recruiting victims to sell their organs.

Prosecutors had requested six months of pre-trial detention.

All four must now sign in to the court every 15 days, are barred from leaving the country and forbidden to disturb witnesses or those investigating the case against them, which is still pending.

Perhaps surprisingly, the doctors have resumed their work at the hospital.  Calderon Guardia indicated that they have not received any notice from judicial authorities that any of the illicit activities actually occurred at the hospital itself.  As a result, the doctors are for the time being not subject to any internal sanctions by the hospital.

The doctors are identified by the last names Mauro Stamati, Fonseca Guzmán and Monge Monge.  The owner of the pizzeria is identified by the last name Katsigiannis.

Hospital authorities indicate that the doctors – two urologists and a peripheral vascular specialist – would have their job performance monitored.

Another doctor at the hospital, identified by the last name Mora, who authorities believe may have been the local head of the trafficking ring is in preventive detention until December.