Within the framework of Operation Suartx, the Civil Guard is investigating four people on suspicion of being members of a criminal organization specializing in the illegal trade in exotic animals. Approximately 500 protected animals in … It is a false haven and its economic valuation amounts to 85,000 euros.
A total of 472 exotic animals were involved, including Leopard tortoises, woolly tortoises, Mediterranean tortoises, iguanas, various types of geckos, tarantulas, Nile monitor lizards, and more.
All of these animals lacked legal documentation or traceability. They were in a fake shelter in town. Burgohondo (Avila)as reported by Armed Research Institute.
Most of them were irregular transfers from states such as Madrid, Badajoz, Ciudad Real, Valencia, Toledo, Huesca, Zaragoza and Seville. The private security force Seprona started this investigation in June 2023, when various fraudulent activities were detected through social networks.
The agent is responsible for They belonged to an organization that appeared to be an NGO. Funding the care of the animals through donations obtained in exchange for advertisements on social networks, without obtaining licenses or permits. It was also discovered that the alleged NGO was offering courses and volunteer work to people working without registering for social security. moreover, paid sponsorship programsupervised by a biologist and another person, also gave lectures at educational centers in Ávila and Madrid.
All facilities were operating without city permits or licenses, and although the animals were in good condition, it was established that the animals had been confiscated and donated in the past. About 200 of the 500 animals were already dead.
As a result of these irregularities, four people are being investigated on suspicion of wildlife crimes, fraud, document falsification, smuggling and criminal organization.
The operation is being carried out by Seprona, with support from CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) and Tragusatec officials, as well as environmental officials from the Ministry of Ecological Transition and Demographic Affairs.
The proceedings were delivered to the President of the Avila Court and to the Avila State Prosecutor’s Office for Environment and Urban Planning.
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