Six men, including two vets, face 34 years in jail for illegally trafficking animals from Malaga

Six people, including two veterinarians, are set to stand trial for their alleged involvement in illegally trafficking protected animals from the Malaga region. The accused, whose trial is scheduled for later this month, could face up to 34 years in prison for their illicit activities, which spanned across Spain and extended into Morocco.

According to court documents, these individuals stand accused of orchestrating and executing a coordinated operation in violation of animal protection laws since 2017, all while lacking the required permits to do so.

One of the accused reportedly had a pet shop in Fuengirola, where trafficked animals were kept, allegedly to provide a façade of legality to the illegal animal trade. Furthermore, it is claimed that two of the defendants managed to acquire up to 63 birds, the current whereabouts of which remain unknown.

Two veterinarians involved in the case have also been implicated. According to court records, one vet was alleged to have supplied animals to the Fuengirola pet shop without the necessary documentation. The second, also hailing from Fuengirola, is accused of assisting by preparing 210 illegal health passports for the animals, thus facilitating their movement through illicit channels.

Law enforcement authorities managed to intercept one of the group's operations at the port of Malaga, where a vehicle bound for Melilla was apprehended. Inside the vehicle, officers discovered numerous species of birds and reptiles, shedding light on the scale of the operation.

Subsequently, a search was conducted at the residence of one of the suspects' fathers, where tortoises, birds, and cats were seized by the police. The discovery underscored the extent of the criminal enterprise's reach and impact on the animal population.

As the trial date approaches, the accused face the serious prospect of lengthy prison sentences, making this case a crucial test of the justice system's ability to combat illegal animal trafficking and protect endangered species. The court will determine the fate of these individuals and the future of the animals caught in the midst of this illicit trade.