Global Operation Seizes Thousands of Protected Animals and Plants in Wildlife Trafficking Crackdown

Interpol and the World Customs Organization's 'Operation Thunder' results in over 500 arrests and 2,000 confiscations, marking the largest effort since its inception.

Interpol and the World Customs Organization conducted a joint operation resulting in more than 500 arrests worldwide and over 2,000 confiscations of protected animals and plants.
The operation, known as 'Operation Thunder', is an annual effort to combat wildlife crime and this year involved officials from 133 countries, marking the highest participation since its inception in 2017.
Among the items seized were 53 primates, four big cats, over 1,300 birds, 660 pounds of ivory, thousands of turtle eggs, and various big cat body parts and rhino horns.
The seized animals and items were transported in various ways, including in suitcases, vehicles, boats, and cargo transporters, often involving high levels of document fraud.
Interpol Secretary General Jürgen Stock highlighted the links between environmental crime and other forms of crime, including violence, corruption, and financial crime.