Three individuals accused of illegal tortoise trafficking involving 167 specimens in Toliara were tried last week before the Anti-Corruption Pole (PAC). The Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development indicated that the verdict sentenced the first defendant, identified as the main perpetrator, to ten years in prison. The second defendant received a five-year prison sentence, while the third was acquitted due to lack of evidence. A fine of 100 million ariary was also imposed in this case.
The three individuals were arrested last March in Toliara. One hundred and sixty-seven radiated tortoises were discovered in the house where they were apprehended. The investigation revealed that they belonged to a tortoise trafficking network linked to organized crime and money laundering. The case has now concluded with these heavy sentences.
The main defendant and the individual involved in facilitating the trafficking were both sentenced to prison and fines. The third individual, identified as an interpreter, was acquitted.
Captured & Published at: 2026-10-03 00:08:33 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/10/justice-un-trafiquant-de-tortues.html