A criminal group dedicated to the illegal trafficking of exotic species has been dismantled in Seville
The Spanish Civil Guard, as part of Operation “ZMIJA”, has arrested two people and investigated eight others for their alleged involvement in various crimes against flora and fauna, smuggling of exotic species, animal abuse and belonging to a criminal group in Seville.
SEPRONA (the Spanish Civil Guard’s Nature Protection Service) began its investigation in late 2025 following information received through various channels regarding a suspected organization involved in crimes against flora and fauna. As a result of this investigation, officers intercepted a suitcase at Seville’s San Pablo Airport containing several animal specimens. All of these animals were protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and lacked any documentation.
Personnel from unauthorized parcel delivery companies
Following the interception of the suitcase, the destination of the shipment was verified, revealing it to be Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, though its origin was in the province of Seville. Consequently, surveillance operations were established on the individuals primarily responsible for the shipments once they were identified.
The Civil Guard confirmed a hierarchically defined structure with distinct roles, which also involved personnel from parcel delivery companies not authorized to transport live animals. These individuals took advantage of preferential treatment and were aware of the contents of the packages, falsifying the documentation for their transport.
256 protected specimens and 56,965 euros in cash
Five searches were carried out at properties and three at industrial warehouses in Seville. Inside, 256 protected specimens were found, including savanna monitors ( Varanus exanthematicus ), red-eyed tree frogs ( Agalychnis callidryas) , spectacled caimans (Caiman crocodilus) , and an albino iguana ( Iguana iguana ). Sixty-one dogs and 28 cats were also found, presumably intended for breeding for later illegal sale, as those responsible were not authorized for this activity. Furthermore, €56,965 in cash was seized from one of the residences, distributed throughout various rooms, presumably proceeds from the trafficking of these species.
The operation carried out by the SEPRONA of the Civil Guard of Seville has ended with the two main leaders of the organization being brought before the competent Judicial Authority as detainees and the investigation of eight other people.
The Civil Guard reminds that the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), is an international agreement between governments that came into force in 1975, and its purpose is to ensure that the international transboundary movement of endangered and threatened specimens of wild animals and plants does not become the object of unsustainable exploitation due to international trafficking and illegal trade.
The growing demand for exotic animals encourages the exploitation of the environment and also illegal breeding without any control, seriously jeopardizing the survival of endangered animals and wiping out wildlife in many countries.
