Big cats, birds, primates and pangolins were among the nearly 20,000 threatened or protected animals rescued in a recent global operation against wildlife and forestry traffickers.

Led by Interpol and the World Customs Organization (WCO), the campaign, called Operation Thunder 2024, involved police, customs, border patrol, forestry and wildlife officials from 138 countries and regions.

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) were identified, with 365 arrests made, the agencies announced on Feb. 4.

The live animals seized were 12,427 birds, 5,877 turtles, 1,731 other reptiles, 33 primates, 18 big cats and 12 pangolins.

Significant seizures included 6,500 songbirds discovered in Turkey during a vehicle inspection at the Syrian border, and 5,193 red-eared ornamental slider turtles hidden in passenger suitcases arriving from Malaysia at India’s Chennai International Airport.

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  33 protected primates were seized during the operation. This one was discovered in Chile. Image courtesy of Interpol and the WCO.
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  The operation led to the rescue of 18 big cats, including these tiger cubs in the Czech Republic. Image courtesy of Interpol and the WCO.
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  These oryx were seized in Iraq. The collection of DNA is a crucial part of supporting prosecutions. Image courtesy of Interpol and the WCO.
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  Civet cats. The seized animals were sent to conservation centers where their health was assessed while awaiting repatriation or rehabilitation. Image courtesy of Interpol and the WCO.
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  12 live pangolins were seized during the action weeks, such as this one in Mozambique. Image courtesy of Interpol and the WCO.
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  More than 5,877 live turtles and tortoises were seized during Operation Thunder, including these ones in Tanzania. Image courtesy of Interpol and the WCO.
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  This coral, found in Italy, was one of 493 pieces and 21.41 kilograms (47.2 pounds) of coral seized globally. Image courtesy of Interpol and the WCO.

U.S. authorities discovered 1 metric ton of sea cucumbers, considered a delicacy, smuggled from Nicaragua. Australia and the U.K. reported seizures of bear bile, an ingredient in traditional medicine that’s collected using a tube or catheter inserted into the animal’s gallbladder.

Such species are trafficked to meet market demands for food, supposed health benefits, pets or “luxury” items, according to Interpol and the WCO.

“Organized crime networks are profiting from the demand for rare plants and animals, exploiting nature to fuel human greed,” said Interpol secretary-general Valdecy Urquiza.

“This has far-reaching consequences: it drives biodiversity loss, destroys communities, contributes to climate change and even fuels conflict and instability.”

Wildlife crime is estimated to be worth up to 17 billion pounds ($21 billion) annually worldwide, making it the fourth-largest international crime, after weapons, drugs and human trafficking, according to Interpol.

A total of 2,213 seizures were made worldwide during Operation Thunder 2024, which ran from Nov. 11 to Dec. 6 last year, Interpol and the WCO said in a joint press statement.

Authorities identified more than 100 companies involved in trafficking protected species, they added.

Where possible, wildlife forensic experts collected DNA samples before transferring the recovered animals to conservation centers. These samples are often key evidence in prosecutions, but also can shed light on trafficking routes and trends.

Hundreds of thousands of protected animal parts and derived products, trees, plants, sea life and arthropods (animals with outer shells) were also seized, Interpol and the WCO said.

Timber accounted for the largest finds, with 214.9 metric tons primarily intercepted in sea cargo shipments. Most other confiscations took place at airports and mail processing hubs.

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  A deer seized in North Macedonia during the operation. Image courtesy of Interpol and the WCO.
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  Morocco conducted intelligence-led investigations and seized over 50 snakes of various species. Image courtesy of Interpol and the WCO.
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  This leopard hide was seized in Namibia during the largest-ever global operation against wildlife and forestry trafficking. Image courtesy of Interpol and the WCO.
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  Nearly 4.5 tons of pangolin scales were seized in Nigeria. Image courtesy of Interpol and the WCO.
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  Python skin products, like this belt seized in Italy, are perceived as high-end or luxurious items. Image courtesy of Interpol and the WCO.
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  Mongolia reported the seizure of 40 cubic meter (1400 cubic feet) of timber. Image courtesy of Interpol and the WCO.

Trafficking was often facilitated online. Interpol and the WCO said investigations uncovered suspects trying to expand their reach by using multiple online profiles and accounts linked across social media platforms and marketplaces.

WCO secretary-general Ian Saunders warned that the illegal wildlife trade is “rapidly growing” and “highly lucrative” — with “devastating effects.”

“Operation Thunder continues to shed light on a crime that is often not a priority for enforcement actors,” he said.

“Through our joint efforts we have established cooperation mechanisms that facilitate the exchange of information and intelligence, and we have refined our enforcement strategies.”

Banner image: Globally, more than 100 companies involved in the trafficking of protected species were identified. Image courtesy of Interpol and the WCO.

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