Within the framework of Operation Suarx, the Civil Guard intervened with 472 exotic animals kept in a fake shelter in the town of Burgohondo, Avila. The specimen is worth 85,000 eurosleopard tortoise, brown tortoise, … Mediterranean turtles, iguanas, geckos, tarantulas, Nile monitors and more. As a result of this act, four people were investigated on suspicion. Crimes against wildlife, fraud, document falsification, smuggling, criminal organizations.
Many of these animals were born through irregular transfers.yes In addition to Toledo and Ciudad Real, they were dispatched from multiple locations around the country, including Madrid, Badajoz, Valencia, Huesca, Zaragoza and Seville. According to military reports, they all lacked documentation and legal traceability.
The investigation by the private security force Seprona began in June 2023.when agents detected various fraudulent activities on social networks related to the activities of NGOs allegedly dedicated to the care of exotic animals.
False shelter without permission
During the investigation, investigators confirmed that the individuals involved belonged to an NGO that allegedly sustained its activities with donations received in exchange for advertisements on social networks. It does not have permits or permits to operate as a shelter.
Similarly, the group organized courses and volunteer programs for participation. People who worked without registering for social securityrevealed through research.
Another source of income was a paid sponsorship program.supervised by a biologist and another person, also gave lectures at educational centers in Ávila and Madrid. None of these activities received any government support, and the entire complex operated outside of municipal regulations.
The agent confirmed that, the animal was in good conditionthey also confirmed that they came from past arrests and donations. 200 of the approximately 500 animals had already died.according to information collected during the operation.
This operation was developed in cooperation with Seprona staff. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (cited), Tragsatec, and the Environmental Agent of the Ministry of Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenges.
The minutes of this case were sent to: Avila Court of Justice and Avila State Prosecutor’s Office for Environment and Urban Planningwill continue the judicial process of this proceeding.
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