Major Fraud Ring Bust Uncovers Big Challenges Facing Wildlife Protection

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The exposure of a fraud ring operating near the Thai-Myanmar border sent shockwaves around the world. Thousands of individuals were arrested for involvement in the scheme, while many others were rescued after being forced to participate.

The region itself is largely lawless, dominated by Myanmar's ethnic minority armed groups, and notorious for its role in illicit activities.

However, the victims here are not limited to humans. Endangered wildlife species also suffer due to rampant poaching and smuggling networks.

In May 2024, authorities uncovered a major wildlife smuggling operation in Dan Singkhorn, southern Thailand, near the Myanmar border.

Six smugglers, transporting wildlife in four vehicles via Sumatra, Indonesia, were arrested, along with an associate who operated a holding facility. Authorities rescued and seized numerous endangered animals, including 1,076 radiated tortoises and 48 lemurs from Madagascar. A subsequent bust was also conducted in Madagascar.

*Illegally trafficked lemurs from Madagascar. (©WWF Thailand)*

International Collaboration

This operation received crucial support from the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Thailand and Japan.

Japanese customs have long intercepted illegally traded animals under the Washington Convention, a treaty aimed at protecting endangered species from international trade.

According to TRAFFIC, an organization founded by WWF and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), more than 1,100 animals were intercepted between 2007 and 2018. Alongside China, Thailand has become one of the leading exporters of such wildlife.

In response to the growing crisis, Thailand has developed public-private networks to combat wildlife smuggling. These networks have been established in three regions, including the infamous "Golden Triangle" — a drug-trafficking hotspot where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos converge.

In 2021, WWF Thailand and Japan, together with police, military, and customs officials, launched a similar network in Dan Singkhorn, which led to the 2024 crackdown.

Exotic Animal Trade

Noriko Oda of WWF Japan, who was involved in the Dan Singkhorn project, explains that there is demand in Japan for "exotic pets." These include wild-caught animals such as turtles and monkeys.

Dan Singkhorn acts as a central hub for wildlife from Madagascar and Southeast Asia, which is then air-shipped from Bangkok to major markets in China and Japan.

One of the most heavily trafficked animals is the pangolin, particularly in China. Its meat, scales, and skin are sought after for traditional medicine, food, and ornamental crafts. Some researchers have even suggested that pangolins could have been a vector for the novel coronavirus.

In Dan Singkhorn, the trafficking of tiger and elephant skins, meat, bones, and tusks is also widespread. The area borders three national parks that straddle Thailand and Myanmar.

While hard evidence is scarce, Oda believes some of the animals may have been captured in Myanmar. Local media reported that one arrested member of the fraud group was a Chinese national involved in tiger smuggling.

The Dan Singkhorn project officially concluded in December 2024. Looking ahead, Oda highlights ongoing challenges, particularly in a region plagued by frequent cases of human trafficking. "The key will be how to inspire local authorities to truly commit to wildlife protection," she says.

This report was first published on Japan 2 Earth, a JAPAN Forward website featuring Japan's initiatives on the SDGs.