BELÉM, BRAZIL - Brazil’s Polícia Federal launched Operation Extinction Zero on Thursday (March 12) to dismantle a transnational criminal organization suspected of trafficking endangered wildlife species. Ten people were arrested after warrants were carried out in five states, including Pará in the Brazilian Amazon.

In Pará, one man was detained in the city of Santarém, in the western part of the state. The investigation began after authorities seized a Brazilian sailboat in February 2024 in Togo that was transporting 17 Golden lion tamarin and 12 Lear's macaw, both endangered species native to Brazil.

Investigators say the group operated with a structured network that included wildlife capturers, financiers, intermediaries and buyers. The suspects are believed to have been involved in a scheme responsible for capturing, storing and selling wild animals, as well as shipping eggs and live specimens abroad, including high-value species sought on the illegal wildlife market.

Those arrested may face charges of criminal organization, smuggling and aggravated receipt of illegal goods, in addition to environmental crimes, including animal abuse. Authorities say other offenses may still be identified as the investigation continues.

Amazon Agency