Eighteen people have been arrested across Spain for the illegal online sale of protected species

Eighteen people have been arrested across Spain for the illegal online sale of protected species, in a Civil Guard operation which began with an investigation into an Iberian Wolf which had been put up for sale on the Web.Dubbed ‘Operation Lobezno’ – ‘Wolf Cub’, a number of exotic animals have been seized, including a number of lions, three pumas, a cheetah and a tiger, in addition to an Iberian Wolf, a European Lynx and several birds of prey. EFE reports that many of the animals were transported from Eastern Europe under false documentation, passing the journey in conditions described as ‘appalling’ in vans which had been rented for the purpose.The organisation is reported to have operated in 10 Spanish provinces where the 18 suspects were arrested. Another two people have been questioned by detectives.