INTERPOL and the World Customs Organization carried out an unprecedented operation against illegal wildlife trade. From September 15 to October 15, 2025, 4,620 coordinated raids were conducted in 134 countries as part of Operation Thunder. Thousands of officers from border, forestry and police services took part.
As a result, about 30,000 animals were rescued — one-third more than a year earlier. Among them were more than 6,000 birds, 2,000 turtles, 1,100 reptiles, over 200 primates, dozens of rare mammals including big cats and nearly 50 pangolins, as well as thousands of exotic insects and arachnids.
In addition to the animals, tens of thousands of illegal goods were seized: ivory, pangolin scales, turtle shells and shark fins — all of which are often used in pseudomedicine and crafts. Notably, only 7 rhino horns were among the confiscated items. This may indicate a decline in poaching thanks to international protection of this vulnerable species. Also seized were 14,000 tons of illegally logged timber — a third of the global shadow trade.
The economic damage inflicted on criminal groups is estimated at millions of dollars. The success of Thunder is the result of months of preparation, data sharing and joint investigations. It is also proof that global cooperation really works.
