Overview
- Agencies in 134 countries logged more than 4,600 seizures covering protected wildlife, plants and illegally logged timber during the Sept. 15–Oct. 15 operation.
- The haul included birds, tortoises and turtles, reptiles, primates and big cats, reflecting a surge in live-animal trafficking driven by demand for exotic pets.
- Investigators identified roughly 1,100 suspects, with arrests reported in South Africa (24), Vietnam (2) and Qatar (1).
- Authorities reported a record 5.8 tonnes of bushmeat seized, with cases moving from Africa to Europe, including more than 400 kg of giraffe meat in Kenya and zebra and antelope products in Tanzania.
- Nearly 10,500 butterflies, spiders and other insects were confiscated as officials intercepted shipments at mail centers, while Interpol estimates the broader wildlife crime economy at about $20 billion and linked to other offenses.