In a significant global effort against environmental crime, more than 30,000 live animals, along with protected plants and illegally logged timber, were confiscated. This operation, known as Operation Thunder 2025, underscores the escalating scale, complexity, and profitability of illegal wildlife and forestry trade networks spanning continents.
Conducted between September 15 and October 15, 2025, Operation Thunder 2025 involved collaboration among police, customs, border security, forestry, and wildlife authorities from 134 countries. Interpol, in partnership with the World Customs Organization, recorded an impressive 4,640 seizures within just one month, marking it as one of the largest coordinated actions against wildlife crime.
The operation resulted in the seizure of numerous protected animals and their parts, including:
A record 5.8 tonnes of bushmeat were confiscated, indicating a significant uptick in trafficking from Africa to Europe. Noteworthy interceptions included primate meat by Belgian officials, giraffe meat by Kenyan authorities, and zebra and antelope meat and skins by Tanzanian agencies. Marine seizures were also considerable, totaling 245 tonnes and over 91,000 pieces, including thousands of shark fins.
The operation revealed a concerning trend towards smaller species. Nearly 10,500 arthropods, including butterflies, spiders, and insects—many of which are protected under CITES—were seized. Turtles, tortoises, birds, reptiles, and primates also comprised a significant number of interceptions. Furthermore, illegal plant trade reached unprecedented levels, with over 10 tonnes of live plants and derivatives seized, primarily due to horticulture and collector demand.
Illegal timber accounted for tens of thousands of square meters and pieces seized. Interpol noted that illicit logging might represent 15–30 percent of the global timber trade. Major arrests occurred in countries such as South Africa, Brazil, and Vietnam, exposing connections between wildlife trafficking and organized crime. These record seizures highlight the sophistication of transnational networks that jeopardize biodiversity, governance, and public safety worldwide.
Q1. What was the purpose of Operation Thunder 2025?
Answer: Operation Thunder 2025 aimed to combat environmental crime by seizing illegal wildlife, plants, and timber through global cooperation among law enforcement agencies.
Q2. How many live animals were seized during the operation?
Answer: More than 30,000 live animals were seized during Operation Thunder 2025, showcasing the extensive scale of illegal wildlife trafficking.
Q3. What types of wildlife were primarily affected?
Answer: The operation primarily targeted elephants, rhinoceroses, big cats, pangolins, and various smaller species, indicating a serious threat to biodiversity.
Q4. How does CITES relate to the operation?
Answer: CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, regulates the trade of endangered species, which was a key focus in the seizures during Operation Thunder 2025.
Q5. What is the estimated value of environmental crime globally?
Answer: Environmental crime is estimated to be worth up to $20 billion annually, encompassing illegal wildlife trade, logging, and related activities.
Question 1: What was the primary aim of Operation Thunder 2025?
A) To promote legal wildlife trade
B) To combat environmental crime
C) To increase timber production
D) To enhance biodiversity conservation
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: How many countries participated in Operation Thunder 2025?
A) 100
B) 134
C) 150
D) 200
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: Which of the following was a significant seizure during the operation?
A) Domestic pets
B) Illegal timber
C) Farm animals
D) Invasive species
Correct Answer: B
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