Seizure by Dutch authorities underscores urgent need for stronger EU legislation and digital enforcement

These gaps in oversight and enforcement allow trade in illegally sourced wildlife to go undetected. As a result, wild animals whose origin cannot be verified may still enter the legal European market.

In a recent IFAW report on illegal wildlife trade from Latin America to Europe, we identified 34 seizures, involving a total of 2,495 wild animals from 69 different species. Notably, most of the birds were intercepted in the Netherlands. These animals are often smuggled in horrific conditions and sold in the European market, frequently via online channels. European demand for rare birds and other exotic species continues to drive this illegal trade.

The role of online marketplaces in facilitating illegal trade cannot be overstated. Criminals increasingly use digital platforms to sell wild animals under the radar of enforcement agencies. IFAW plays an active role here as a Trusted Flagger under the EU Digital Services Act-a status that enables us to report illegal content, such as advertisements for wildlife, directly to platforms with priority. This mechanism allows for faster action against wildlife cybercrime, but long-term progress will require continued commitment from both platforms and authorities.

This case also highlights the need for a broader legal basis within the EU. IFAW calls for the criminalisation of trade in illegally sourced wildlife-regardless of whether the species are protected under CITES. As long as the legal system does not take the origin of animals into account, loopholes will remain. It is time to close those loopholes together.