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Wildlife Trafficking Kingpin Cannot Be Caught

Despite international authority’s best efforts, the “Pablo Escobar of Wildlife Trafficking” seems to be untouchable.


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A man by the name of Mr. Vixay, who operates out of Laos, has been implicated in “one of the biggest swindles in environmental crime history,” reports The New York Times. The criminal is suspected of smuggling rhinoceros horns and bypassing laws by hiring prostitutes to pose as hunters. In addition, Vixay is thought to be a key figure in an elephant-tusk trafficking ring as well as an animal-laundering scheme, where he claims to legally breed and export endangered animals from multiple countries. Although international justice officials have tried to build a case against Vixay, their efforts are hindered by his close affiliation with influential people in Laos.

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#147 2026 The Summer Travel Issue
#147 2026 The Summer Travel Issue
#147 2026 The Summer Travel Issue

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