Authorities have seized almost 30,000 live animals during a global crackdown on wildlife trafficking. Investigators identified more than 1,000 suspects through a coordinated international operation. The action targeted illegal trade in wild fauna and flora across multiple continents. Officials described the criminal networks as highly organised and well resourced.
After months of preparation, law enforcement agencies from 134 countries shared intelligence and operational data. Police, border forces, and wildlife authorities worked together to disrupt trafficking routes. Investigators focused on networks that exploit regulatory gaps and global transport systems.
The operation, known as Operation Thunder, ran from 15 September to 15 October. INTERPOL and the World Customs Organisation coordinated the effort. Authorities carried out a record 4,460 seizures during the month-long sting. Officials also identified around 1,100 suspects linked to environmental crime.
Seizures included tens of thousands of protected animals and plants. Officers confiscated tens of thousands of cubic metres of illegally logged timber. Authorities also recovered more than 30 tonnes of endangered wildlife species and derivatives. Investigators described the scale as unprecedented.
Inside Operation Thunder’s Latest Sting
Investigators found record levels of live animal smuggling across international borders. Officials linked the trend mainly to rising demand for exotic pets. Criminals increasingly use online platforms and private buyers to move rare species.
In Qatar, authorities arrested a suspect who attempted to sell an endangered primate online. The seller advertised the animal for $14,000, or about €11,967. Officers intervened before the sale concluded.
Most wildlife trafficking still involves animal parts and derivatives. Criminals use these products in traditional medicine and speciality foods. Investigators reported an escalating trade in bushmeat from exotic wild animals.
Belgian authorities intercepted shipments of primate meat. Kenyan officials seized more than 400 kilograms of giraffe meat. Tanzanian officers recovered zebra and antelope meat and skins worth about $10,000, or €8,550.
Globally, authorities seized a record 5.8 tonnes of bushmeat. Investigators warned of notable increases in trafficking routes from Africa into Europe. Officials linked the trade to serious public health and conservation risks.
Marine Species and Ivory Under Pressure
Operation Thunder also revealed growing trafficking in marine wildlife. Authorities seized more than 245 tonnes of protected marine species during the operation. Investigators highlighted the scale of organised maritime smuggling.
Officers confiscated around 4,000 pieces of shark fins. Demand remains high in parts of Asia, where fins symbolise status at major events. Traders also promote fins for alleged health benefits in traditional medicine.
Law enforcement agencies also targeted ongoing demand for ivory. Criminals often use ivory for luxury goods, decorative art, and jewellery. French customs seized 107 ivory pieces from markets and sales channels.
Austrian customs raided an ivory dealer’s home and recovered six additional pieces. In Germany, authorities seized more than 1,000 illegal wildlife and forestry items. Officers found ivory, reptile parts, coral, plant derivatives, and live specimens at mail centres and airports.
Environmental Crimes Threaten Ecosystems
Environmental criminals also target smaller species with major ecological importance. Authorities seized almost 10,500 butterflies, spiders, and insects worldwide. Many of these specimens belonged to protected species.
Officials intercepted more than 40 insect shipments and 80 butterfly shipments. The consignments originated in Germany, Slovakia, and the United Kingdom. US authorities stopped the packages at a major mail centre.
INTERPOL warned that these species play vital ecological roles. Their removal disrupts food chains and weakens ecosystems. Authorities also warned about invasive species and disease risks.
The illegal plant trade reached record levels during the operation. Officials confiscated more than 10 tonnes of live plants and plant derivatives. Experts said horticultural and collector markets continue to drive demand.
Bringing Down Global Criminal Networks
INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza said the operation exposed the scale of wildlife crime. He said criminal networks operate with growing sophistication and reach. Investigators increasingly link these networks to drug trafficking and human exploitation.
Urquiza said these syndicates target vulnerable species and undermine the rule of law. He warned that environmental crime endangers communities worldwide. INTERPOL pledged to strengthen global policing cooperation.
Urquiza added that authorities aim to dismantle the entire ecosystem of illicit activity. He said global action remains essential to protect natural resources and human heritage.
