138 countries take action, arrest hundreds of rare animal trafficking bosses

In early 2025, nearly 20,000 live animals were confiscated and 365 suspects were arrested in the largest ever crackdown on illegal animal hunting.

Nearly 20,000 live animals, all of which are endangered or protected species, were seized in a global operation against wildlife and forestry trafficking networks, jointly carried out by the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) and the World Customs Organization (WCO). Photo: @ Outdoors.

The operation, called Thunder, brought together police, customs, border control, forestry and wildlife officials from 138 countries and regions, marking the largest participation since the first operation in 2017. Photo: @gktoday.

Authorities have arrested 365 suspects and identified six transnational criminal networks suspected of trafficking animals and plants protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Photo: @interpol.

Such species are illegally traded to meet specific market demands, such as for food, medicinal benefits, luxury goods and collectibles, or as pets and fighting animals...Photo: @interpol.

Live animals including big cats, birds, pangolins, primates and reptiles were rescued in 2,213 seizures worldwide. Photo: @interpol.

Wildlife forensic experts even collected DNA samples before transferring the animals to temporary conservation centers, where their health was assessed while they awaited repatriation or rehabilitation under national frameworks and legal return protocols. Photo: @interpol.

DNA collection is a vital part of supporting prosecutions, as it helps confirm species and their origin or distribution, sheds light on new trafficking routes and emerging crime trends. Photo: @interpol.

In addition to live animals, participating countries also seized hundreds of thousands of parts and products from protected animals, plants, marine life and arthropods. Photo: @interpol.

Timber-related seizures accounted for the largest proportion, occurring mainly in shipping container shipments, while most other seizures took place at airports and mail processing centers. Photo: @interpol.

Authorities also investigated online activities, and found that the suspect used multiple profiles and linked accounts across multiple social media platforms and marketplaces to expand his reach. Photo: @interpol.

More than 100 companies involved in the trade in protected species have also been identified and prosecuted. Photo: @interpol.

“Organized criminal networks are profiting from the demand for rare plants and animals, exploiting nature to fuel human greed. This has far-reaching consequences: it accelerates the loss of biodiversity, destroys communities, contributes to climate change and even fuels conflict and instability,” said Valdecy Urquiza, Secretary General of INTERPOL. Photo: @interpol.

“Environmental crime is particularly destructive, and INTERPOL, working with partners, is committed to protecting our planet for future generations,” said the WCO Secretary General. Photo: @interpol.

Dear Readers, please watch the video : Discovering the cause of the mammoth's extinction. Video source: @Thanh Nien Newspaper.

(According to Interpol)

Source: https://khoahocdoisong.vn/138-nuoc-ra-tay-chan-dong-tom-hang-tram-trum-buon-thu-quy-post1545770.html