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Crime & Hunting

Fox tails seized worth 40’000 francs

Turkish authorities seized 10'300 fox tails worth 40'000 francs at Istanbul Airport. The smugglers had arrived from Moscow.

Editorial Wild beim Wild — 16 October 2023

10’300 fox tails in four suitcases

Turkish authorities seized 10’300 fox tails worth 40’000 francs in four suitcases that two passengers arriving from Moscow were carrying at Istanbul Airport.

According to media reports, teams from the Passenger Terminal Customs Directorate of Istanbul Airport and the Customs Directorate for Smuggling and Intelligence tracked two passengers of Uzbek and Greek nationality who had arrived from Moscow.

Smugglers attempted to bypass customs

The authorities took action when the two individuals, who brought four suitcases into the passenger hall, attempted to proceed directly to the exit without passing through customs.

In the operation, a total of 10’300 animal tails worth 44’544 dollars were seized, verifiably originating from foxes. Under Turkish law, an import licence is required to bring this type of goods into the country.

Public prosecutor launches investigation

The Istanbul public prosecutor's office has opened an investigation into the incident. IG Wild beim Wild documents wildlife crime worldwide.

More on the topic of hobby hunting: In our dossier on hunting we compile fact checks, analyses and background reports.

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