Spanish police dismantle exotic wildlife trafficking network
Spanish agents have broken up an organisation engaged in illegal trade in protected species. The investigation began after officers intercepted a suitcase containing undocumented animals at Seville airport.
Spanish police dismantle exotic wildlife trafficking network
A Spanish law enforcement operation has ended a criminal organisation engaged in the smuggling of wild animals. The investigation began in late 2025 when agents detected a suitcase transporting protected species without the required documentation at Seville's San Pablo airport.
After several months of enquiries, investigators carried out searches at five private residences and three industrial warehouses located in the Andalusian capital. During the raids, officers seized a total of 250 specimens of exotic fauna, among which savanna monitors—reptiles native to sub-Saharan Africa highly sought after as pets—red-eyed tree frogs from Central American rainforests, spectacled caimans from Latin America, and even a specimen of albinotic green iguana, a rare colour variant highly valued among collectors, stood out.
The police operation culminated in the detention of two individuals and the implication of eight others. Investigators suspect that the gang had the collaboration of employees from courier and parcel companies, who would have facilitated the shipping of live animals and forged accompanying documentation to evade customs and health controls.
The trafficking of protected species constitutes a serious crime in Spain, punishable by prison sentences and substantial fines, in addition to posing a serious risk to biodiversity and public health.
Source: rts.ch
Source: Google News MA — Crime (fr)