Russian couple, Israeli national arrested in Spain for smuggling of exotic cats

Spanish police have arrested a Russian couple in connection with the sale of exotic cats online, including protected species such as white tigers, clouded leopards, and pumas, Euronews reports.

The authorities raided the pair’s home in Manacor on the Balearic island of Mallorca, and seized 19 animals, Spain’s Civil Guard said in a statement on Monday.

The couple were arrested for wildlife crimes, smuggling, organized crime, and document falsification.

More than 40 irregular animal passports from countries such as Russia, Belarus, and China were also found, according to the authorities.

The detainees are a 48-year-old Russian man and a 46-year-old Russian woman.

A third suspect—a 48-year-old Israeli national—is also being investigated by Spanish authorities.