# Galapagos marine iguana trafficking prosecutions

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/galapagos-marine-iguana-trafficking-prosecutions
> Updated: 2026-11-10T01:00:17.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

Ecuadorian courts have issued prison sentences to foreign nationals involved in the illegal smuggling of endemic marine iguanas from the Galapagos Islands.

In late October, three Thai citizens were sentenced to four years in prison following an incident in May at Guayaquil airport. The individuals attempted to smuggle twelve iguanas to Amsterdam in carry-on luggage, resulting in the death of two reptiles. The court ordered a fine and $400,000 in reparations for ecosystem damage.

In November, a Russian citizen received a 24 month prison sentence for attempting to transport 32 iguanas through Quito airport in August. The defendant, who reportedly intended to take the animals as souvenirs, accepted responsibility under a shortened legal procedure. The court mandated fines, over $90,000 in reparations to the Galapagos National Park Directorate, and a public apology.

## Timeline

### 2026-11-10: Russian citizen sentenced to two years in prison for smuggling Galapagos marine iguanas

A Russian woman received a two-year prison sentence and ordered to pay over $93,000 for smuggling 32 Galapagos marine iguanas through a Quito airport.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russian-citizen-sentenced-to-two-years-in-prison-for-smuggling-galapagos-marine-iguanas

### 2026-10-28: Ecuador sentences three foreigners to prison for Galapagos iguana trafficking

Three Thai nationals received four-year prison sentences and a $400,000 fine for attempting to smuggle twelve Galapagos marine iguanas to Amsterdam via Guayaquil.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ecuador-sentences-three-foreigners-to-prison-for-galapagos-iguana-trafficking

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Cite as: Galapagos marine iguana trafficking prosecutions. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/galapagos-marine-iguana-trafficking-prosecutions