The investigation team tracked the goods after a tip from an internet investigator from another unit. 

Marketplace
On Marketplace, a saw (rostrum) from a sawfish was offered for sale. A man from Neer turned out to have purchased this saw. When investigators from the Environmental Team went to check on this buyer, they found several specimens of freshwater and saltwater fish. To determine which animals were specifically involved, cooperation with the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) and Customs was sought.

CITES
Research revealed that several of the specimens from the collector in Neer were on the so-called CITES list. CITES is an international agreement that protects plants, animals, and parts or products thereof. These species could become extinct due to (international) trade. CITES regulates the trade in these species. The treaty discusses, among other things, Annexes A and B. The specimens listed in Annex A of the CITES regulation fall under the highest protection regime.  

Rostrum and Mako Shark
In Neer, two rostrums from swordfish were seized. These fall under Annex A. Furthermore, four goods listed in Annex B were found: a mounted head of a mako shark, a mounted sturgeon, a 1.20-meter long requiem shark, and a jaw of that same shark.

Crocodile Leather
The case in Maastricht also came to the investigation teams attention through a sales advertisement on Marketplace. Here, two bags made of crocodile leather were offered online. When investigators confronted the man, he stated that he also had a mounted sea turtle. All three items are listed in Annex A of the CITES regulation.

The investigation by the Environmental Team has recently concluded. The prosecutor from the Functional Parket will decide on the next steps. 

Money Laundering
Illegal trade in specimens generates a lot of money. Organized criminal organizations often engage in drug trafficking and money laundering behind this trade. 

RVO
Do you have items at home that may be on the CITES list, are you unsure about it, or do you not know if you have the right documents for these goods? Then visit the website of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). You can also anonymously hand them in at the RVO in The Hague.