In a transit operation through Ethiopia, a Russian national returning home was found carrying a substantial number of exotic animals in his luggage. The cargo, improvised from plastic containers tucked inside a tourist backpack, prompted an immediate inspection by customs officers and revealed a collection that spanned several species native to Africa.
The discovered items included 14 dwarf chameleons, 5 panther toads, an African flat-headed mabuya, as well as numerous invertebrates such as woodlice, giant centipedes, painted snails, a horned mushroom beetle, a marzipan cockroach, and a rare psammodas beetle—an insect group typically associated with the Cape of Good Hope wilderness and other habitats across Africa. The sight was described as unusual and concerning by officials who noted that the cargo had been concealed within a backpack during travel.
During transit, a number of the animals did not survive the journey, primarily due to abrupt temperature changes and the stresses of improper handling. The traveler stated that the creatures were collected during a trip to South Africa and were intended to be kept at the residence in a terrarium. However, investigators quickly established that the traveler planned to market the animals on social media platforms rather than keeping them as a private collection.
Estimates placed the customs value of the entire shipment at around 200,000 rubles. Under applicable law, the purchase and transfer of wildlife valued above certain thresholds require appropriate declarations and permits, and penalties can apply for non-compliance. Customs officials highlighted that the Western dwarf chameleon, in particular, is subject to mandatory written declaration and an accompanying permission process, underscoring the regulatory framework governing live wildlife trafficking across borders.
The incident was linked by authorities to a prior case at Moscow’s airports in December 2022, where a similar violation occurred when a woman was intercepted with 150 animals arriving from the Philippines. The recurrence of such patterns has prompted a cautious review by investigators and a reevaluation of the enforcement approach to wildlife in transit across major hubs.
At present, the seized animals remain in custody under the supervision of animal welfare organizations. They receive veterinary care and appropriate daily attention to ensure their health and welfare while authorities determine the next steps in the legal process. Animal rights groups have coordinated with veterinarians to monitor the animals closely and to advocate for their protection during administrative proceedings and potential transfers to suitable facilities.
The traveler now faces an administrative case for failing to declare goods. Investigations continue, with expert examinations slated to inform determinations about the handling, legality, and potential penalties related to the case. The situation has drawn attention to the broader issue of wildlife trafficking, particularly the movement of protected and exotic species through international borders, and the responsibilities borne by travelers, transport operators, and authorities in preventing illegal trade.
Separately, authorities noted that in February an additional inventory discrepancy occurred in Orenburg, where 299 skins identified as rare North American lynx were reported missing from a materials warehouse, prompting security and inventory checks. This incident underscores ongoing concerns about the trafficking and concealment of wildlife products, and it has prompted renewed calls for stricter oversight and enforcement across regional facilities and transit points. The broader context of wildlife protection remains a focus for customs agencies and conservation groups alike, with ongoing collaboration aimed at safeguarding animal welfare and preventing illegal commerce.
In summary, the case reflects the challenges of enforcing wildlife import and transport regulations across international borders, the need for prompt welfare measures for seized animals, and the importance of clear declarations and permits for any live wildlife involved in travel. The authorities and animal welfare organizations are continuing to work together to resolve the case and to strengthen safeguards for both animals and the public in transit hubs around the region.