Spain: Germans arrested for trafficking in tortoises

According to Spanish authorities, they have dismantled the largest illegal tortoise farm in Europe.

It appears that the German breeders on Mallorca had close cooperation with an exotic animal dealer in Barcelona. With his help, they managed to sell the animals they had bred. Tortoise meat in particular is considered a lucrative source of income. Like the Germans, the animal dealer was also arrested. The suspects face prosecution for trafficking in endangered species and money laundering.

Extremely rare and endangered species

The police statement described it as the “largest illegal tortoise farm in Europe” with the goal of “industrial-scale breeding.” Officers seized more than 1’100 sea and land tortoises at the breeding site near Llucmajor. In total, 62 different species were identified, including 14 of the most endangered, such as the Chinese red-necked pond turtle and the hinge-back tortoise. In addition, more than 750 eggs were found, according to the Mallorca Zeitung.

Almost all tortoise species are now considered endangered. Their eggs are prized as a delicacy in certain countries. The animals are traded and exploited for their meat, skin, and shells.

Investigations since February 2017

The investigation had begun as early as February 2017, when officers at Palma de Mallorca airport first noticed packages containing reptiles that did not match the species listed in the accompanying documentation, including some specimens from Southeast Asia as well as several from Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Since the names of the senders and recipients had also been forged, it took months before investigators were finally able to trace the trail to the finca near Llucmajor.

Trafficking in exotic animals, and especially in protected species, is by no means a trivial offence. The accused face prison sentences of several years. More on wildlife and on Crime.