News

Wildlife Crime Unit visit auction house

29 January 2008 / Metropolitan Police

Officers from the Met's Wildlife Crime Unit recently visited a well-known Central London auction house after an allegation that items derived from endangered species were offered for auction, potentially unlawfully. As a result of their intervention, three sea turtle shells, a tiger skull and three narwhal tusks were removed from the sale.

All of these items are what is termed 'unworked' meaning that licences are required to trade in these items regardless of age. Further information on the law concerning antique specimens of endangered species can be obtained from the Wildlife Crime Unit or the UK Management Authority, Defra.

Action in this case followed information from a member of the public who contacted the Wildlife Crime Unit via the Operation Charm website.

Note - no further action to be taken in this case. The auction house fully cooperated with police and removed items from sale on police advice. Meets the Operation Charm objectives of crime prevention and raising awareness of the issue in the trade.