Thai police have arrested four Indian nationals accused of operating a transnational wildlife smuggling network after an investigation linked them to attempts to export protected animals from Thailand to India. Officers seized one gibbon, one Indonesian langur, 100 Indian star tortoises, three suitcases and a white Mazda 3 car registered in Udon Thani during the operation.
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On 9 July, Pol Maj Gen Anek Taosuphap, commander of the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division (NED), ordered officers led by Pol Col Nattaphon Akaruean to arrest the four suspects. They were identified as Mr Glastin, 53, Mr Manimaran, 37, Mr Lingesh, 24, and Mr Noorul, 52.
The suspects were wanted under warrants issued by the Central Tax Court on 6 July 2026. They face charges of jointly attempting to export goods that had not passed customs procedures and offences under Thailand’s Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act for exporting protected and controlled wildlife without permission.
The investigation began in May 2026 after an airline alerted police to passenger luggage returned from a flight to India. Officials discovered live wild animals and animal remains hidden inside the baggage, prompting investigators to expand their enquiries into a suspected international smuggling operation.
Picture courtesy of Daily News
Police said the group operated with clearly defined roles. Investigators alleged that Mr Glastin sourced customers, while Mr Manimaran and Mr Lingesh obtained animals to match orders and prepared them for export.
The investigation also identified a house in Soi Bang Kradi 19, Samae Dam, Bang Khun Thian district of Bangkok as a location where wildlife was kept and packed before shipment overseas.
Officers later monitored the suspects and observed suitcases containing wildlife being delivered to Mr Thameem at a hotel. Police said he then transported the luggage to Suvarnabhumi Airport for loading onto an outbound flight.
A search of the luggage uncovered one gibbon, two langurs, six tegu lizards and five blue-tongued skinks concealed inside. Investigators arrested those involved and later secured warrants for four additional members of the alleged network.
During questioning, police said all four suspects admitted the charges against them. The suspects and seized evidence have been handed to investigators from NED Division 2 for legal proceedings.
Daily News reported that authorities said they will continue expanding the investigation to identify and apprehend any additional members of the suspected wildlife trafficking network.
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10 July 2026
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