Help Stop Illegal Wildlife Trafficking

Sometimes it can take years to build a case against a major wildlife trafficker in Cambodia, and sometimes that patience and persistence pays off big time! Following a 2-year investigation by the Wildlife Rapid Rescue Team, the Team applied for a warrant to search the home of a wildlife trader in Phnom Penh in mid-March. Due to the high volume and value of wildlife parts seized, Cambodia’s Anti-Corruption Unit has gotten involved in the case – greatly increasing the penalties this trader faces.

During the raid, conducted in collaboration with a Phnom Penh Deputy Prosecutor and local Forestry Administration officers, the Team confiscated:

• Over 100 lbs. of ivory and 25 lbs. of Elephant molars;
• Almost 90 lbs. of Boar tusks, teeth and fur and 1 Boar skull;
• 68 pieces of Tiger skin and 72 Tiger whiskers;
• 4 purses made of Tiger skin;
• 1 mounted Lion head and 2 pieces of Lion skin;
• 78 pieces of Deer horn;
• 14 Eastern Porcupine stomachs;
• 2 Great Hornbill skulls.

The offender was sent to pre-trial detention and his assets have been frozen by the Anti-Corruption Unit’s committee on money laundering. Given the mix of Endangered species found, the trader is suspected of importing wildlife products. Officers from our Team are now collaborating with the Anti-Corruption Unit in an ongoing investigation into the full extent of his crimes, including tracing the trader’s financial transactions. Because the Anti-Corruption Unit can press charges based on economic crimes, which have more severe penalties than wildlife crimes, this collaboration is expected to result in far more serious consequences for the trader.

Your donations help to pay the essential costs that make these kinds of cases possible: wildlife investigator salaries, informant payments, legal fees, and operations’ costs. Thank you so much for helping us to shut down the illegal wildlife trade.