It has become an urban legend. In certain countries of Asia, in China or in Vietnam in particular, the rhinoceros horn conveys beliefs that fuel international trafficking. It would lower the fever and raise the libido. It would act as an anticancer and a toning.
the poaching explodes. Trafficking in these animals is one of the most lucrative in the world: a kilo of rhino horn is snapped up, on the parallel market, for at least € 55,000. More than gold or heroin (€ 35,000). 900 rhinos on average are killed each year, according to WWF.
TO Rennes, since Monday, nine men were on trial correctional, in his Jirs training, the specialized interregional jurisdiction, specialized in the fight against crime and organized delinquency.
“An ecological massacre”
Several nationalities meet in this juicy traffic. Among them are “Rathkeale Rovers”, Irish Travelers who engage in criminal activities abroad as well as Chinese and Vietnamese living in France and suspected of participating in this trafficking in protected species. The investigation began in September 2015 on a road in New Aquitaine with the seizure of four African elephant tusks. Then others, exported to Hanoi, Vietnam. Then comes the first rhino horn, during a search, this time in the Oise, in November 2016. A raw material that could be transformed into powder, chips or balls. The suppliers claim to be only intermediaries. Buyers say they are collectors.
The public prosecutor denounced “An ecological massacre” and required up to six years in prison. Finally this Wednesday, September 8, 2021, the heaviest sentences were pronounced against Irish delinquents, with the organized gang retained as an aggravating circumstance: three years and two years firm, for the brothers Tom Greene and Richard O’Riley.
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