Never sell your organs for an iPhone.

Most of us don’t need that advice, but one Chinese man, aged just 25, is now bedridden with organ failure after selling his kidney to buy the latest Apple devices eight years ago.

Wang Shankun made headlines around the world in 2011 when, at the age of 17, he sold his kidney on the black market to buy an iPhone 4 and an iPad 2. “Why do I need a second kidney?” he asked at the time.

Wang is now learning the answer to that question.

Bedridden for days at a time

Wang’s remaining kidney has now failed due to “complications” — likely as a result of his initial surgery. This has left him bedridden for days at a time, relying on regular dialysis to keep him alive.

It didn’t take long for Wang to suffer renal failure in his second kidney after having one removed eight years ago. It is believed unsanitary conditions where the surgery took place, and a lack of aftercare, was to blame.

Worth $3,000?

Wang received just over $3,000 for his kidney in 2011 after the supposed gang leaders who arranged the sale took their cut. The surgery was performed at a military hospital near Wang’s home.

It is believed the operation took place without consent from Wang’s parents, who weren’t even aware of what was happening at the time.

The following year, nine individuals connected with the sale, including five surgeons, were jailed for their involvement.

It’s not yet clear whether Wang will be given a kidney transplant.

Via: Newsweek