Spanish Police Uncover International Trafficking Ring Selling Exotic Cats, Arrest Two in Majorca

On Monday, Spanish police announced the arrest of two individuals suspected of engaging in the online sale of exotic cats, including protected species such as white tigers and pumas. The operation also resulted in the confiscation of 19 felines.

The couple was apprehended on the island of Majorca and is believed to have been involved in the breeding of desert lynxes and servals, a wild cat native to Africa. Additionally, they are suspected of creating hybrid species by crossing these breeds with domestic cats. According to reports from the Majorca Daily Bulletin, the arrested suspects are of Russian nationality.

International Trafficking Operation

Further investigations revealed that the activities of the couple were merely "the tip of the iceberg" of a larger international trafficking operation involving protected species such as white tigers and black panthers. This operation reportedly involved breeders, transporters, and veterinarians. The Spanish Civil Guard and Interior Ministry stated that most of the animals offered for sale originated from countries such as Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine, and were smuggled into the European Union.

Authorities suspect that the animals were brought into the European Union via Poland from Belarus and were subsequently offered for sale across the bloc with false documentation. In addition to the aforementioned species, the couple was found to be offering European lynxes, hyenas, and pumas for sale on their social media accounts. Images released by officials showed the cats in enclosures and officers collecting evidence.

Seizures and Illegal Trade

The suspects reportedly offered a clouded leopard, one of the world's rarest and most elusive cats, for the price of 60,000 euros (approximately $68,000). The operation also led to the seizure of a caracal, a desert lynx known for its distinctive long ear tufts, as well as two servals and 16 hybrid felines. Furthermore, more than 40 animal passports from Russia, Belarus, and China were confiscated as part of the operation.

Authorities emphasized that the trend of attempting to breed and keep exotic cats as pets is widespread in Russia and Ukraine, and has now expanded to other countries. They highlighted that these species require a significant amount of space and can be very aggressive, posing a danger to both people and other animals. Consequently, many individuals end up abandoning these animals.

The crackdown on this illegal wildlife trafficking operation underscores the commitment of Spanish authorities to combat the illicit trade of protected species and raise awareness about the challenges posed by keeping exotic animals as pets.