Archive · 11 Dec 2025
Interpol Seizes Record Wildlife in Global Sting
Interpol and police from many countries worked together to stop illegal wildlife trading.
They caught almost 30,000 live animals, a lot of bushmeat, and many insects.
They also found and arrested some people who were involved in this illegal trade.
This trade is bad for the environment and can spread diseases.
The operation showed how big and complicated this illegal trade is, and how it is connected to other crimes like drug trafficking.
The illegal trade of animals and plants is worth a lot of money, over $20 billion every year.
They also stopped a lot of illegal wood cutting, which is a big part of the wood trade worldwide.
Interpol and 134 countries' law enforcement seized a record number of illegally traded live animals, plants, and timber in a month-long operation called Operation Thunder 2025.
Nearly 30,000 live animals, 5.8 tonnes of bushmeat, and nearly 10,500 insects were seized during the operation.
Authorities identified 1,100 suspects and arrested 27 people in South Africa, Vietnam, and Qatar.
The operation highlighted the growing demand for exotic pets and the increasing sophistication of criminal networks involved in wildlife trade.
Wildlife trafficking poses serious biosecurity and public health risks, as well as contributing to environmental destabilization.
- Who
- Interpol and law enforcement agencies from 134 countries
- What
- A global sting operation targeting illegal wildlife trade
- When
- Between September 15 and October 15
- Where
- Globally, with significant activity in Africa and Europe
- Why
- To combat the illegal wildlife and forestry trade, which is linked to other criminal activities
- Operation Name
- Operation Thunder 2025
- Countries Involved
- 134
- Live Animals Seized
- Nearly 30,000
- Bushmeat Seized
- 5.8 tonnes
- Insects Seized
- Nearly 10,500
- Suspects Identified
- 1,100
- Arrests Made
- 27
- Operation Duration
- September 15 to October 15
- Estimated Annual Wildlife Crime Value
- $20 billion
- Illegal Forestry's Share of Global Wood Trade
- 15-30%
