Two Chinese nationals were arrested upon their arrival at Ivato International Airport late last week. They were questioned as part of an investigation into turtle trafficking, money laundering, and criminal conspiracy.
Presented to the Anti-Corruption Pole (PAC) the day before yesterday, the two men were placed in pre-trial detention at Tsiafahy. A third Chinese national, arrested earlier in connection with the same case, is also in custody. Apprehended at the end of January following information received by the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, he had been detained in February.
He is suspected of illegal exploitation and trafficking of turtles, money laundering, and complicity with a criminal network. The investigation subsequently led to the identification of the other two suspects, who were arrested upon their arrival from China.
Faced with the increase in such cases involving foreign nationals, the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development has implemented Chinese language courses for its judicial police officers (OPJ) in charge of investigations. It is also continuing its awareness campaigns regarding the prohibition of capturing, possessing, consuming, selling, or exporting turtles in Madagascar.
Anyone with information regarding the illegal exploitation or exportation of the country’s natural resources is invited to call the toll-free number 955.
Captured & Published at: 2026-09-24 06:23:34 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/09/trafic-de-tortues-des-ressortissants.html