The illegal trade in live animals has reached record levels

Interpol announced that the trade in live animals will reach a record scale in 2025, and the networks involved in it are increasingly linked to other areas of crime. Interpol informed about the operation during which in autumn this year almost 30 thousand were seized animals.

Among those almost 30 thousand wild specimensconfiscated between September 15 and October 15 this year, there were over 6 thousand birds, 2 thousand turtles and over 1 thousand reptiles, as well as 10 big cats. Police from 134 countries were involved in the operation. 1,100 suspects were identified.

One of the reasons why the animal trade is increasing is growing demand for exotic pets. The scale of illegal trade in marine animals is also increasing. The subject of trade are animal remains or derivatives used in traditional medicine, as well as for consumption. Interpol observed that trade in the meat of animals such as giraffes, zebras and antelopes, sold from Africa to Europe, has increased.

Criminal networks are “increasingly linked to all spheres of crime, from drug trafficking to human exploitation,” Interpol chief Valdeciy Urquiza said in a statement. The connection between these criminal activities and cryptocurrencies is also increasing. Interpol estimated the value of crimes against wild species at approximately USD 20 billion per year, noting that in reality this amount is probably much higher.

From Paris Anna Wróbel (PAP)

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