Two arrested over smuggling endangered animals in Gran Canaria

Two people have been arrested in Gran Canaria on suspicion of involvement in an international network trafficking protected wildlife between South America and Europe.

Police seized €30,000 in cash from the hotel rooms where the suspects were staying, along with equipment used to microchip and identify animals.

The joint investigation by the National Police, Brazil’s Federal Police and Swiss authorities resulted in four arrests and eight coordinated searches across the three countries.

The two suspects detained in Gran Canaria are believed to be the alleged leader of the network and a supplier suspected of coordinating the illegal movement of animals out of South America.

Both were brought before a court to begin extradition proceedings over their alleged involvement in a criminal organisation and international trafficking of protected species.

Investigation began with eggs hidden under clothing

The inquiry began in October 2025, when Brazilian authorities stopped a Swiss woman at Rio de Janeiro airport as she attempted to travel to Europe.

Officers discovered 24 eggs from two protected parrot species concealed beneath her clothing. The discovery led investigators to the suspected international network.

During their inquiries, officers identified 117 suspicious travel movements between Brazil and Europe by the alleged supplier, involving stays of fewer than three days. Police believe the travel pattern was linked to attempts to evade checks.

Journey to Gran Canaria led to arrests

In early October 2026, Brazilian Federal Police discovered that the suspected supplier was preparing to travel to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria via Switzerland.

While in Switzerland, the suspect met the alleged leader of the organisation. The pair then boarded a flight to Spain.

Brazilian authorities requested urgent assistance and issued two international arrest requests through Interpol in connection with suspected wildlife smuggling. The National Police subsequently found and arrested both suspects in Gran Canaria.

Authorities coordinated searches across all three countries to prevent evidence from being destroyed and safeguard any animals being held.

Three searches took place in Brazil, three in Switzerland and two in Spain, where officers searched the suspects’ hotel rooms in Gran Canaria.

Investigators believe the cash seized from the rooms was connected to the alleged trafficking operation. Officers also recovered specialist syringes used to implant microchips and animal identification devices.

At a property in Brazil, police found numerous dead marmosets, taxidermy specimens and skeletal remains of protected species.

The findings form part of the evidence gathered during the investigation, named Operation Nido Vacío, or “Empty Nest”.