In the largest ever wildlife and forestry operation, 138 countries and regions joined forces to apprehend wildlife smugglers. INTERPOL has led an operation seizing 20,000 protected or endangered animals in a global wildlife trafficking sting. Criminal networks were smuggling the live animals across borders to sell for uses such as specialty food and traditional medicine. Led by INTERPOL and the World Customs Organization (WCO), the multinational campaign known as Operation Thunder 2024 involved enforcement agencies from 138 countries and regions and led to the arrest of 365 suspects. Officials also identified six transnational criminal networks suspected of trafficking animals and plants protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). In addition to live animals, authorities confiscated hundreds of thousands of animal parts and derivatives from protected species. Officials transported rescued animals to conservation centers where they await repatriation, rehabilitation or necessary treatment.