Large Seizure of Protected Taxidermy Animals During Action Against Wildlife Crime

News Release | 12-12-2025 | 16:30

Young Trader

Inspectors from RVO and NVWA found a large quantity of illegal taxidermy animals, skeletons, and carcasses at the 24-year-old traders premises. These included a black bear, lions, monkeys, and several protected bird species such as birds-of-paradise, vultures, and raven cockatoos. The trader could not prove legal acquisition of these protected species and was also in possession of forged documents. Additionally, dozens of dead animals with unclear origins were found in a freezer at another company location. The estimated value of the seized items is approximately 200,000 euros. This discovery has led to prosecution of the man under both criminal and administrative law.

Seizures in the Netherlands

Besides the large haul in Brabant, illegal products were seized in other locations in the Netherlands. In parcels, aircraft cargo holds, and from travelers, large quantities of shark fins, coral, pills, powders, and drinks containing protected plants were found. Also, a taxidermy wolf and an elephant tusk (raw ivory) were seized from a residence in Arnhem. All seized goods are stored by RVO at secret locations. To prevent them from re-entering illegal trade, most of these items will be destroyed.

Strict Rules for Trade in Endangered Species

Strict rules apply to the trade in endangered animal and plant species: only animals and plants with demonstrably legal origins may be traded. In the Netherlands, RVO and NVWA monitor compliance with these rules. When rules are violated, they enforce the law. They do this on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN). RVO is also responsible for issuing permits for protected plants and animals, such as import and export permits and EU certificates. These fall under CITES, an international agreement between countries to ensure wild animals and plants are not wiped out by trade. This month, the CITES conference took place in Uzbekistan, where decisions were made on which species will be more strictly or less strictly protected.

Operation Thunder

Operation Thunder has been organized by INTERPOL since 2017 and since 2019 also together with the World Customs Organization (WCO), focusing specifically on combating wildlife crime, a growing global problem with serious ecological consequences and animal suffering. The operation period usually lasts one month. This year, the operation took place between mid-September and mid-October.

More information about CITES can be found on the RVO website.