Brazil, Switzerland, and Spain dismantle protected species trafficking ring

Law enforcement agencies in Brazil, Switzerland, and Spain have dismantled an international criminal organization dedicated to trafficking endangered birds and animals. The operation resulted in four arrests across the three nations.

The investigation was triggered in October 2025 following the detention of a Swiss citizen at Rio de Janeiro airport. She was found attempting to fly to Europe with 24 protected bird eggs, including species of the red-faced parrot (Amazona brasiliensis) and the red-spectacled parrot (Amazona petrei), hidden under her clothing.

Following this lead, Brazil's Federal Police identified the criminal leader and a supplier who coordinated illegal shipments from South America. Investigators noted the supplier had made 117 suspicious short-term trips between Brazil and Europe to evade controls. Through Interpol, urgent international arrest warrants were issued, leading to the arrest of two key suspects in Gran Canaria, Spain. The individuals face charges of belonging to a criminal organization and international trafficking of protected species.