Bizkaia, Spain – The Guardia Civil’s Operation RibTool seized 54 elephant ivory pieces illegally sold on web portals. One person faces charges for wildlife crimes and smuggling. A Bizkaia company was also selling 68 ivory sculptures online.

SEPRONA, the Nature Protection Service, began investigating after spotting illegal ivory sales on specialized websites, finding about 40 listings. A Bizkaia resident was offering these items without valid CITES permits.

After a CITES National Authority report, searches at two company-linked sites in Bizkaia led to the seizure of 54 undocumented ivory pieces. Another 68 ivory-inlaid sculptures were found in the company’s online catalog.

Seized items include canes with ivory handles shaped like eagles or greyhounds, emperor and geisha figures, Japanese okimonos, ornate fans, vases, antique boxes, and elephant tusks. Other finds include chryselefantine sculptures, crucifixes, antique desks, screens, and carved horse and dragon figures.

The operation stopped potential illegal exports, especially to Asia. EU law bans most elephant ivory trade, requiring a CITES EU certificate for legal sales. Without it, sellers risk wildlife trafficking and smuggling charges if items exceed 50,000 euros.

Led by SEPRONA’s UCOMA unit, with support from the Ministry for Ecological Transition, the operation was directed by Bizkaia’s Court of Instruction No. 6.

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