Global Crackdown Seizes 30,000 Animals in Wildlife Trade Bust

More than 30,000 live animals, along with protected plants and illegally logged timber, were seized during a coordinated global crackdown on environmental crime, Interpol has said. The month-long operation highlights the growing scale, complexity and profitability of illegal wildlife and forestry trade networks operating across continents.

Operation Thunder 2025: Scale and Coordination

The enforcement drive, named Operation Thunder 2025, was conducted between September 15 and October 15, 2025. It involved police, customs, border security, forestry and wildlife authorities from 134 countries. Interpol, working with the World Customs Organization, recorded 4,640 seizures in just one month, making it one of the largest coordinated actions of its kind.

Wildlife, Bushmeat and Marine Species Seized

Authorities seized thousands of protected animals and animal parts, including elephant ivory, rhinoceros horns, big cat derivatives and pangolin scales. A record 5.8 tonnes of bushmeat was confiscated, revealing a sharp rise in trafficking from Africa to Europe. Belgian officials intercepted primate meat, Kenyan authorities seized giraffe meat, and Tanzanian agencies recovered zebra and antelope meat and skins. Marine seizures were also substantial, totalling 245 tonnes and over 91,000 pieces, including thousands of shark fins.

Smaller Species and Plant Trade Under Threat

The operation revealed a growing focus on smaller species. Nearly 10,500 arthropods such as butterflies, spiders and insects were seized globally, many protected under CITES. Turtles, tortoises, birds, reptiles and primates were also intercepted in large numbers. Illegal plant trade reached record levels, with over 10 tonnes of live plants and derivatives seized, driven largely by horticulture and collector demand.

What to Note for Exams?

• Operation Thunder 2025 involved enforcement agencies from 134 countries.
• Over 30,000 live animals were seized in one month.
• Interpol estimates environmental crime is worth up to $20 billion annually.
• CITES governs international trade in endangered species.

Illegal Logging and Criminal Networks Exposed

Illegal timber accounted for tens of thousands of square metres and pieces seized, with Interpol noting that illicit logging may represent 15–30 per cent of global timber trade. Major arrests were made in countries including South Africa, Brazil and Vietnam, exposing links between wildlife trafficking and organised crime. Interpol said the record seizures underline the sophistication of transnational networks that threaten biodiversity, governance and public safety worldwide.