Spanish Police Bust Internet Trafficking Ring Selling Exotic Felines, Seize 19 Animals

Spanish police have arrested two individuals in Manacor, on the Balearic island of Mallorca, for allegedly operating an internet trafficking ring that sold exotic felines, The AP reports.

The Civil Guard announced on Thursday that 19 animals were seized during the operation, including a caracal and two servals.

In addition to the live animals, authorities discovered more than 40 irregular animal passports originating from countries such as Russia, Belarus, and China.

The investigation began in March of last year after the Civil Guard became aware of a couple in Palma de Mallorca who were breeding servals, caracals, and hybrids with domestic cats for sale via social media platforms.

The suspects are alleged to have offered a wide range of exotic and endangered felines for sale, including white tigers, clouded leopards (priced at 60,000 euros, or $68,000), Eurasian lynxes, hyenas, black leopards, and pumas.

Authorities noted that the trend of breeding and owning these types of felines as pets is widespread in Russia and Ukraine, and this illegal practice has begun to be imitated in other countries.

The seized animals will be transferred to a specialized rescue and rehabilitation center for exotic mammals located in Alicante, in eastern Spain, where they will receive proper care and attention.