Australia - CRIME networks are behind a surge in the trade of wildlife and other live animals on the black market, according to an Australian Federal Police report.
The report commissioned by the AFP has exposed the link between national criminal groups and an explosion in wildlife crime, with outlaw motorcycle gangs also said to be dabbling in the trade.
The practice, worth an estimated $20 billion a year worldwide, is the third biggest threat to border security after gun running and drug smuggling.
Australian Customs last year detected and seized 7533 animals, almost double the 2004 tally of 3902 cases.
"It's a major issue for us," Customs national manager Richard Janeczko said. "It's a cruel trade and most of the animals end up dying. Others are killed to produce wildlife products."
Lizards, snakes and toads are favoured targets as they are easy to conceal and transport and have a high street value.
Crime gangs are also believed to be trading illegal and dangerous animals to keep as pets or, in the case of stuffed animals, particularly scorpions and stuffed bears, to decorate bikie gangs' clubhouses.
Analysis of Internet trading sites such as eBay revealed an increase in the trade of elephant ivory, which is rare and banned in Australia.
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