Record-breaking wildlife seizures by Operation Thunder underline importance of international security collaboration

Operation Thunder led to the rescue of 18 big cats, including this lion in the Czech Republic.    Credit: INTERPOL

Operation Thunder 2024 brought together police, customs, border control, forestry and wildlife officials, marking the widest participation since the operation began in 2017, resulting in 365 arrests and identification of six transnational criminal networks. 

The illegal trade in wild species is one of the most profitable criminal activities in the world, estimated to be worth up to $23 billion each year – with virtually every country involved.  

33 protected primates were seized during Operation Thunder, with this monkey being seized in Indonesia.  Credit:…

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