Spain: Two arrested and 256 animals seized in protected species trafficking network
The Spanish Guardia Civil dismantled a wildlife trafficking network in Seville province. Two people were arrested and eight more are under investigation. Among the seized animals are savannah monitors, harlequin frogs, and caimans.
Spain: Two arrested and 256 animals seized in protected species trafficking network
The Spanish Guardia Civil has dismantled a major network dedicated to illegal wildlife trade in the Seville area. Two individuals were arrested and eight more came under investigation for their alleged participation in this criminal activity.
The investigation began in late 2025 following receipt of information about suspicious operations linked to wildlife in southern Andalusia. During searches, officers located a suitcase at San Pablo de Seville airport containing several animals protected by international conventions on trade in wild species, which were to be transported without mandatory documentation.
In controls carried out at five residences and three industrial premises in Seville, police seized 256 specimens subject to international fauna protection regulations or other conservation measures. Among the confiscated species were savannah monitors, harlequin frogs from the tropical rainforests of Central America, caimans, and a rare albino green iguana, highly sought after among collectors.
In addition, 61 dogs and 28 cats were found which, according to the authorities' suspicions, were being bred for illegal sale. Officers also seized €56,965 in cash from one of the premises, an amount believed to be linked to the trafficking circuit.
Investigators suspect the network employed workers from courier companies, who facilitated the transportation of live animals and falsified corresponding documentation. Wildlife trafficking constitutes one of the most lucrative illicit activities in the world, second only to drug trafficking, arms trafficking, and human trafficking.
Source: ΤΑ ΝΕΑ
Source: Ta Nea