Six suspects, including former rhino farm owner John Hume, have been arrested in connection with a massive rhino horn trafficking scheme involving nearly 1,000 horns. The operation, which was uncovered after seven years of investigation, allegedly shipped horns to Southeast Asian black markets.
The arrests are seen as a significant victory for South Africa’s fight against international wildlife crime, as the country continues to battle a poaching crisis that claimed 420 rhinos in 2024 alone. Prosecutors allege that the syndicate defrauded the government by obtaining permits under false pretenses to buy and sell rhino horns domestically.
The suspects, aged between 49 and 84, are facing charges including fraud, theft, and violations of environmental protection laws. International commercial trade in rhino horn is banned in South Africa, but domestic trade with valid government permits is permitted.
The arrests come as the country grapples with an ongoing poaching crisis, despite a 15% decrease in poaching deaths from 2023 to 2024. Rhino horns are highly valued on the black market, fetching more than $60,000 per kilogram.
South African Environment Minister Dr. Dion George called the arrests “a powerful demonstration of South Africa’s resolve to protect its natural heritage.” The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the SAPS Hawks’ Wildlife Trafficking Section and the National Prosecuting Authority.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/International/south-africa-accuses-6-massive-rhino-horn-trafficking/story?id=124802262