Spain Cracks Down on Exotic Animal Trafficking Network Selling White Tigers and Pumas

Spanish authorities have dealt a significant blow to the illegal trade of exotic animals. On April 14, 2025, the Spanish police announced the seizure of 19 felines and the arrest of two individuals involved in an operation targeting a network trafficking protected species, including white tigers and pumas. The couple used social media platforms to advertise lynxes, hyenas, and pumas for sale. Among the seized animals was a clouded leopard, one of the rarest feline species, priced at €60,000. The pair was arrested in Majorca, where they were breeding desert lynxes, African wildcats, and hybrid species created by crossing exotic animals with domestic cats. Authorities confiscated a desert lynx or caracal, known for its mysterious ears with tufts on top, two serval wildcats resembling small leopards, and 16 hybrid felines. Officials believe this is just the tip of the iceberg of an international network trading protected species involving breeders, transporters, and veterinarians. Most of the animals offered for sale originated from countries like Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine and were destined for buyers within the European Union. During the investigation, forty Russian, Belarusian, and Chinese passports were also found and seized.