Global Scam Uncovered: Counterfeit Tiger Claws Sold Online in Madhya Pradesh
A gang in Madhya Pradesh was exposed for selling fake tiger parts online, deceiving international buyers with counterfeit products. The operation involved plastic claws and wild boar hair sold as tiger parts, exploiting superstitions. Law enforcement seized additional illegal items, and a deeper investigation is being called for by wildlife experts.
In Dindori district of Madhya Pradesh, a significant wildlife fraud has been exposed involving a gang that was selling counterfeit tiger parts internationally. This operation was discovered by the state’s Tiger Strike Force in collaboration with the Anti-Terrorism Squad. The gang was misleading buyers by offering plastic claws and wax-coated nails disguised as authentic tiger claws, alongside wild boar hair misrepresented as tiger whiskers.
The gang’s primary market consisted of international buyers who were misled into believing they were purchasing rare exotic animal parts. “The entire operation was online, making it easier for fraudsters to target customers across the world,” remarked Puneet Sonkar, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Dindori, highlighting the ease of the operation’s distribution.
Authorities believe that stringent anti-poaching laws have compelled traditional wildlife hunters to adapt by engaging in cyber fraud. The Pardhi community, which has historical ties to poaching, has shifted their expertise towards crafting convincing counterfeit products while leveraging superstitious notions among buyers.
Rajesh Bhadoria, SP of the ATS Jabalpur, noted, “The gang manipulated people’s faith to sell counterfeit animal products,” revealing their exploitation of buyer perceptions. Besides the fake tiger parts, law enforcement also confiscated substantial amounts of marijuana and toxic herbal remedies falsely advertised as aphrodisiacs.
Wildlife conservationists are urging for an extensive investigation into this scam. Ajay Dubey, a wildlife expert, emphasized that the Pardhi community has a longstanding involvement in the illegal wildlife trade and possesses advanced techniques that complicate law enforcement efforts. He advocated for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry to dismantle this illicit network effectively.
The uncovering of this global scam in Madhya Pradesh highlights the alarming shift from traditional poaching to online fraud targeting exotic animal parts. The involvement of the Pardhi community and the sophistication of their counterfeit goods call for immediate and thorough investigations. The collaboration between various law enforcement agencies and wildlife experts is crucial in addressing and dismantling these fraudulent operations.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
