New Delhi, 29th July 2024: Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) is one of the major causes of biodiversity loss around the world, pushing numerous species to the brink of extinction and disrupting ecosystems. While conventional markets and trade channels continue to exist, there has been a substantial transformation in recent years. The IWT has found new ways to thrive in the digital era, taking advantage of cyberspace’s wide and often unregulated networks. Traffickers are adopting digital tools and exploiting the internet’s anonymity and broad reach to carry out criminal activity with unexpected efficiency.

India, with its rich biodiversity comprising several flagship and lesser-known species, has emerged as a key battleground in the fight against cyber wildlife trafficking. The very capabilities that enable global communication and commerce, are being used to fuel a thriving illegal market for endangered animals. From encrypted chat and private social media groups to dark web marketplaces, the digital trail of the IWT  has grown increasingly difficult to identify and prevent. However, illegal activities always leave a trail, allowing investigators to connect the dots in the real world.

Recently, WTI’s cyber spotter network reported the trade of “Hatha Jodi” on the popular e-commerce website Flipkart. Advertised as a holy plant root hatha Jodi or hath jod due to its appearances like folded hands and plat root that brings good luck and prosperity, Hatha Jodi is actually the hemipenis of a Schedule I species, the Monitor Lizard (Varanus spp.) (Read more about Hatha Jodi: https://www.wti.org.in/news/ifaw-wti-assists-indian-authorities-in-unearthing-massive-illegal-online-trade-in-monitor-lizard-parts/). To conceal its true identity, the Flipkart seller (wildlife trafficker) listed it for sale as a ‘decorative showpiece’ made of wood.

Screenshot of Hatha Jodi posted for sale on Flipkart.

The image of the Hatha Jodi posted on the website appeared authentic, and the seller listed a price, offering delivery across India within a week. Our team sprang into action to gather more information about the seller but could only find a link to a company called  ‘KTM Group’. No additional details were provided by Flipkart regarding the seller.

WTI shared the information with the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) for a more detailed investigation. In collaboration with WCCB, the WTI team initiated an in-depth probe to identify the culprits behind the digital barrier. A plan was set into motion to verify the authenticity of the product being marketed by the Flipkart seller and to obtain their address details. Using covert identities, the team placed an order for one unit which was delivered to them within a week. Upon examining the product, it was confirmed to be an original Hatha Jodi.

 Screenshot of Hatha Jodi delivered by the seller through the Flipkart platform.

The delivery of authentic Hatha Jodi through one of the leading e-commercial platforms shows how wildlife traffickers have adapted their modus operandi to sell illegal products using digital platforms while securing their identities. The lack of parcel checks for illegal items due to the limited skilled manpower and facilities at security checkpoints makes it easier for wildlife traffickers to import or export illegal wildlife goods. The courier services need to adopt a better screening methodology to prevent the transportation of wildlife products. The team uncovered the seller’s location through the item invoice, pinpointing it to Bokaro City, located in the state of Jharkhand, Central India. They were surprised to find such online trade originating from this area.

The intelligence was immediately shared with the WCCB Central region which was then passed on to the Jharkhand Forest Department. A monitoring team was deployed by the department to gather more on-ground evidence against the culprit. Although the suspected Flipkart seller was identified, they were unable to gather actionable intelligence. The WTI team in collaborating with the Jharkhand Forest Department initiated further investigations to uncover the suspect’s connection and gather more incriminating evidence.

A WTI team member, code-named ‘SMK,’ covertly established contact with the suspected seller to negotiate a deal for Hatha Jodi. Initially, the seller was hesitant to disclose more information, knowing that he was dealing with an illegal product. However, he eventually agreed to sell Hatha Jodi and other items to SMK, sharing a video to demonstrate the authenticity of the products. Upon receiving this information, the Forest Department began strategising the operation to capture the wildlife trafficker.

On July 21^st, a joint team of the Jharkhand Forest Department assisted by WTI conducted a raid on a shop owned by a suspected seller in Chas, Bokaro.  During the operation, the primary suspect (Flipkart seller) was caught red-handed with ‘Hatha Jodi’. Further interrogation revealed that several shops were selling banned items such as Indrajal, Hatha Jodi etc. in Bokaro. Using these leads, the team conducted raids at four more locations and apprehended additional culprits. Months of investigation and the collaborative efforts of governmental and non-governmental bodies led to the successful seizure of 120 Hatha Jodi (each obtained by killing a male monitor lizard, resulting in 120 dead monitor lizards), one sea fan coral known as Indrajal and other wildlife parts.

Seized wildlife articles from the raid operations in Bokaro, Jharkhand on 21^st July 2024.

“The team followed the digital footprints left behind in cyberspace and conducted an on-ground investigation in the real world,” said Jose Louies, CEO of WTI.

“Superstitious beliefs of people generate the demand for illegal wildlife products, which is fueled by false advertisements on social media platforms. This is emerging as a new challenge in combating illegal wildlife trade,” said Sandeep Shinde, Probationary IFS, Bokaro, Jharkhand Forest Department.

Following a successful enforcement operation that dismantled the Hatha Jodi nexus in Bokaro, Flipkart removed the seller’s post on their website as instructed by the WCCB.

Screenshot of Hatha Jodi post on Flipkart showing the unavailability of the product.

This operation was one of the successful efforts in combating the emerging cyber illegal wildlife trade in India. However, it is merely a drop in the ocean of wildlife trafficking occurring in the digital world.

Monitor lizards are protected under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. Hunting or trading of any of their parts may result in imprisonment for 3 to 7 years and a minimum fine of INR 25,000. In addition to implementing stricter laws and harsher penalties, it is crucial to raise awareness about the illegal wildlife trade in both rural and urban areas of the country. This effort will help reduce the demand for wildlife products and address superstitious beliefs that fuel such demands.