The UK National Wildlife Crime Unit have helped COS AGENTS RURALS DE CATALUNYA
(Catalonia Rural Ranger Corps) uncover an international bird laundering ring.
Agents in Spain investigating individuals keeping Peregrine falcons, became suspicious
of documentation that they had seized, which indicated that falcons in their possession
had been captive bred in the UK.
Enquiries by the NWCU revealed that leg rings being worn by some of the falcons in Spain
were not the original rings referred to on the documentation.
Evidence gleaned by the NWCU suggests that fake rings are being manufactured
to match genuine permits.
Detective Inspector Nevin Hunter the Head of NWCU said, “Our colleagues in Spain have uncovered
significant criminality activity. Cooperation between their Agents and the NWCU has been vital
to the success of the operation”.
Suspects in Spain are due to appear in court later in the year.