The Spanish Civil Guard arrested a couple on Majorca for breeding and selling exotic cats, including white tigers and clouded leopards. After raiding their home, authorities discovered 19 felines, including a caracal and hybrid breeds, which were marketed on social media. The Civil Guard reported that this case only represents a small part of a larger criminal organization, with many animals smuggled from Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine into the EU.

The couple's social media activities raised red flags as they engaged with potential buyers from various countries. Animals were reportedly smuggled through Poland with false documentation, underscoring Europe's role as a hub for the illegal wildlife trade. This raid marked the continuation of a larger investigation that began last March, with another individual also under scrutiny for selling exotic species online.

Currently, the rescued animals are temporarily housed at the Son Servera Safari Zoo in Majorca, and will be moved to a rescue center in Alicante. The International Fund for Animal Welfare reports that social media has increased the demand for exotic cats, often seen as status symbols, but these pets demand significant care and space, frequently leading to abandonment due to their aggression.