Dutch criminal turtle trafficker caught in Italy

Translated from Dutch NOS TV:

Dutchman caught with 5520 turtles in Italy

Today, 19:12

In northern Italy, a Dutchman has been caught with thousands of turtles in his van. The 25-year-old man was stopped at Ovada because he was driving too fast.

When police officers investigated his vehicle, they found 5,500 small marine turtles and 20 land tortoises, Italian media report.

Only the land animals are protected and may not be traded without permits. The Dutchman did not have the right documents and the tortoises were seized. He could keep the marine turtles.

Italian police are investigating whether the man is part of an international trafficking network.

Indian police seize 6,000 stolen turtles in record haul: here.

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