South Africa Investigative Liason

In a critical breakthrough for wildlife conservation, Joseph “Big Joe” Nyalunga—a notorious figure long associated with wildlife trafficking—was arrested on October 15, 2024, during Operation Silent Scorcher. The collaborative operation involved multiple units, including the Nelspruit Serious Organized Crime Investigations (SOCI), the Nelspruit Explosives Unit, K9, the Nelspruit Investigation Unit, and the Local Crime Records […]

In a decisive move against wildlife poaching, Operation Silent Predator, an investigation initiated by Focused Conservation’s In-Field Advisor in South Africa, has yielded significant results. The operation, which focused on intelligence related to potential poaching activities, involved a suspect employed as a trail guide by SANParks. The investigation began when Focused Conservation’s law enforcement liaison

On August 3, 2024 near Bronkhorstspruit, South Africa, a wildlife trafficking operation, dubbed Operation Shaneta, led to the arrest of four individuals attempting to sell a live pangolin. The arrests took place on August 8, 2024, following critical intelligence developed by the South Africa Investigative Liaison for Focused Conservation. The intelligence indicated that the pangolin

The South Africa Police Service (SAPS) – HAWKS unit successfully executed Operation Alpha in Nelspruit, following critical intelligence provided by the South Africa Investigative Liaison from Focused Conservation. The intelligence indicated that a suspect was illegally in possession of firearms and ammunition. Acting on this information, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) led a

On June 28, 2024, an extraordinary collaboration between Pretoria K9, Bronkhorstspruit K9, Bronkhorstspruit Detectives, and the Tswane Metro Police Department (Drug and Bylaws Enforcement), alongside Focus Conservation, led to the successful interception of the illegal pangolin trade in South Africa. Acting on a tip-off, authorities launched an undercover operation to investigate a reported two pangolins being offered for sale.

At the designated meeting point, two suspects with suitcases were apprehended. Upon inspection, the pangolins were confirmed to be in the suitcases, valued at R800,000. The pangolins were safely recovered and transported to the Johannesburg Wildlife Hospital for immediate care.

The operation resulted in the arrest of two suspects and the seizure of four cell phones. Additionally, one of the suspects was identified as an illegal immigrant. This successful operation underscores the critical role of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and conservation organizations in tackling wildlife crime.

In a significant law enforcement operation dubbed Operation Silver Lakes, carried out in South Africa, Focused Conservation Investigative Liaison played a pivotal role. The operation led to the arrest of four wildlife traffickers who were attempting to sell a live pangolin to an undercover officer for R170,000. The pangolin, severely dehydrated and near death, was rescued by the team from the clutches of the traffickers. Prompt medical attention was provided, and the pangolin is currently under the care of a wildlife hospital, with hopes of rehabilitation for eventual release back into the wild. This operation underscores Focused Conservation’s commitment to combatting wildlife trafficking and protecting vulnerable species.

With assistance from the South Africa Investigative Liason, suspects involved in abalone trafficking were located in the Western Cape region of South Africa. Permission was granted to conduct a search that resulted in the seizure of equipment and vehicle used to process abalone.

In South Africa, with the assistance from the Investigative Liason, a rhino poaching group was located and 5 suspects arrested who were in possession of a rifle. silencer, ammunition and an axe. The operation successfully thwarted a potential poaching incident in the Phalaborwa Limpopo region. This investigation has been dubbed Operation Amherst.

On June 26, 2023, the South Africa Investigative Liason provided information to a joint operation in Johannesburg, South Africa that resulted in the arrest of 3 suspects and the seizure of one (1) live pangolin. One of the individuals was Conservation K-9 employee while another subject was wanted on an outstanding warrant for rhino poaching