Global wildlife crackdown

December 15, 2025

More than 30,000 live animals, along with protected plants and illegally harvested timber, were seized worldwide during a month-long crackdown on illegal wildlife and forestry trade, Interpol said, highlighting the growing scale and complexity of environmental crime.
The seizures were carried out during a coordinated global operation between September 15 and October 15, 2025, involving police, customs, border security, forestry and wildlife authorities across 134 countries. Interpol said a total of 4,640 seizures were recorded in just one month, underscoring the vast reach of trafficking networks operating across continents.
The operation uncovered thousands of protected animals and plants, tens of thousands of cubic metres of illegally logged timber, and more than 30 tonnes of spices listed as endangered under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Authorities cautioned that the actual scale of the trade is likely much higher due to its clandestine nature. One of the most concerning findings was the sharp rise in the illegal bushmeat trade, particularly involving wildlife from tropical regions. Belgian authorities intercepted shipments of primate meat, while Kenyan officials seized more than 400 kilogrammes of giraffe meat. In Tanzania, law enforcement recovered zebra and antelope meat and skins valued at around $10,000 (approximately Rs 9 lakh).

“Globally, a record 5.8 tonnes of bushmeat was seized, with a notable increase in trafficking routes from Africa into Europe,” Interpol said, describing the trend as a growing threat to biodiversity and public health.

The crackdown, dubbed Operation Thunder 2025, was coordinated by Interpol in partnership with the World Customs Organization. The operation aimed to intercept illegal wildlife and forest products, disrupt global supply chains, dismantle criminal networks and identify suspects involved in environmental crime, which is estimated to generate up to $20 billion annually.

Several major seizures and arrests were reported across regions. In South Africa, police arrested 24 suspects and seized protected succulents, live pangolins and more than 17,000 abalone, along with unlicensed firearms and ammunition. Across all participating countries, authorities seized 215 kilogrammes and 1,900 pieces of elephant ivory; 28 kilogrammes and seven rhinoceros horns; 159 kilogrammes and 338 pieces of big cats and other felines; and seven tonnes of pangolin scales and meat. Interpol clarified that the term “pieces” refers to fragments of animal material, which can range from complete remains to partial specimens, as well as whole or partial plants and timber. Other notable seizures included 1,560 pieces of primates, 830 pieces and derivatives of bears, 4,340 pieces of birds and nearly 39,000 pieces of reptiles. In North America, primate body parts and skulls were intercepted in a shipment arriving from Asia at a mail processing centre.