Bangladeshi police say they have arrested three men believed to be part of a major organ trafficking ring aimed at convincing poverty-stricken villagers to part with their kidneys for cash.

Police say they arrested the men Sunday in the remote, impoverished village of Kalai, 300 kilometers northwest of the capital, Dhaka.

Officials say that nearly 40 villagers sold their kidneys in exchange for $2000-$3000. But police tell AFP that as many as 200 victims may have taken part in the kidney trafficking scam.

Police say some of the affected villagers have experienced health complications following the extractions.