Global Operation Rescues Nearly 20,000 Animals: Interpol and WCO Combat Wildlife Trafficking in Operation Thunder 2024

Nearly 20,000 threatened or protected animals, including big cats and primates, were rescued in Operation Thunder 2024, a global effort led by Interpol and the World Customs Organization (WCO). The operation involved 138 countries and resulted in 365 arrests, targeting six transnational criminal networks involved in wildlife trafficking. Seized live animals included over 12,000 birds, nearly 6,000 turtles, and over 1,700 reptiles, highlighting the scale of the illegal trade. Significant seizures occurred in Turkey, where 6,500 songbirds were discovered, and in India, where over 5,000 turtles were found hidden in passenger luggage. Operation Thunder 2024 also uncovered the use of online platforms to facilitate trafficking, with suspects using multiple online profiles to expand their reach. The operation underscores the devastating impact of wildlife crime, estimated at $21 billion annually, and its contribution to biodiversity loss, climate change, and global instability.