Interpol: Wildlife trade seizures lead to hundreds of arrests worldwide

Operation Thunder recovers more than 1,000 animals in operation spanning 118 countries

The illicit trade is used by criminal gangs across the world. More than 1,000 animals, including 171 birds, were captured during a global operation led by Interpol in 2021. All photos: Interpol

The drive against illegal trafficking of wildlife led to the seizure of 29 big cats.

The worldwide investigation secured the recovery of 336 reptiles.

Criminal networks were severely disrupted by the large international operation.

Hundreds of arrests have been made in a global operation by Interpol and customs authorities against traffickers in wildlife.

Criminal networks have been severely disrupted by the month-long Operation Thunder 2021 spread across 118 countries, with thousands of vehicles searched by sniffer dogs and X-ray machines at border crossings.

Interpol and the World Customs Organisation seized more than 1,000 illegally traded specimens listed by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (Cites).

The haul included live big cats, primates, reptiles and birds, as well as derivative products such as clothing, beauty products, food items, traditional medicines and handicrafts.

Timber illegally farmed from protected areas was also recovered by authorities.

“Organised crime networks are generating billions in illicit profits every year, at significant cost to our environment, as well as the associated impacts of fraud, corruption and violence,” Interpol secretary general Juergen Stock said.

“We are seeing the continued globalisation of crime, which means only an international response can be effective, as demonstrated with this latest Operation Thunder.

"Every one of our 195 member countries has a role to play in combating this threat, either directly or in the follow-up investigations.”

Interpol seized large quantities of Cites-listed birds, such as Houbara bustards squeezed beneath the fake base of a transport box intercepted in Qatar.

An Arabian wolf was also intercepted by Qatari authorities, while other big cats destined for the illegal wildlife trade were seized at border controls throughout the operation.

The Middle East has been a hotbed of trafficking as a final destination for illegally traded wildlife in recent years.

Falcons, Houbara bustards and cheetahs have been targets for smugglers into the region but networks are gradually being closed off by authorities.

Specialist training programmes have taken place in Somaliland, a known trafficking route from East Africa into the Gulf, to disrupt illegal wildlife supply chains.

During Operation Thunder, known criminals and Interpol red-notice fugitives were sought before the global drive, along with companies used to enable wildlife and timber crime.

Operation Thunder has so far recovered 478 kilograms of ivory pieces and 487kg ivory-derived products, 75 big cat parts, 29 live big cats, 856kg of pangolin scales, 531 turtles and tortoises, 171 birds and 336 reptiles.

The worldwide investigation secured the recovery of 336 reptiles. Photo: Interpol

Hong Kong officials seized 3.2 tonnes of red sandalwood in freight from the UAE, while Mexican authorities arrested three Chinese citizens smuggling Totoaba bladders, sea cucumber and coral, along with methamphetamine and cash.

“The volume of seizures made during Operation Thunder 2021 proves how serious the transnational organised crime threat is for wild species and ecosystems across range, transit and destination countries,” said Ivonne Higuero, secretary general of Cites.

“The success of Operation Thunder 2021 strongly contributes to the strategic vision of Cites parties and reinforces that we must work together, combining different skills, mandates and resources to reduce threats to wildlife and live in harmony with nature.”

Police and customs officials shared wildlife and timber-trafficking intelligence, allowing field officers to identify specific trafficking hotspots on land, sea and airport border points, as well as wildlife parks.

“With criminals trafficking endangered species along the same routes they use to smuggle other illicit goods, customs is strategically placed at borders to intercept illegally traded Cites-listed products,” World Customs Organisation secretary general Kunio Mikuriya said.

“Large-scale, cross-border operations such as Operation Thunder 2021 illustrate the benefits and impact global law enforcement co-operation has in deterring wildlife crime, putting its perpetrators behind bars and raising awareness of its devastating effects.”