International Consortium Cracks Down on Global Wildlife Trafficking Networks

The International Consortium for Combating Wildlife Crime (ICCWC) reported that coordinated operations in 2025 dismantled major trans‑national trafficking networks. Operation Thunder, led by INTERPOL and the World Customs Organization, involved law‑enforcement agencies in 134 locations and resulted in more than 4,600 seizures, including nearly 30,000 live animals and tens of thousands of protected plant specimens. Over 1,200 suspects were identified across 130 countries.

Key actions included the arrest of high‑value targets in India and Mexico, the seizure of 299 endangered species at Mexico City’s airport, and the repatriation of 116 illegally hunted turtles in Tanzania. The consortium’s annual report highlighted its 15‑year focus on intelligence sharing, financial investigations and international cooperation to protect biodiversity and strengthen the rule of law.

The effort was supported by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which underscored the need for stronger enforcement and cross‑border collaboration to combat the evolving threats posed by wildlife crime.