Rhinoceroses, polar bears and even elephants: the Civil Guard seizes in Valencia the largest discovery of stuffed protected animals in Spain

The Civil Guard has seized in Bétera (Valencia) the largest find of protected stuffed animals in Spain and one of the largest in Europe, which includes rhinoceroses, polar bears and even elephants.

The operation, called Valcites, has led the agents to discover a large estate, where they have found the specimens, as well as other objects.

Its owner, who is not under arrest, is being investigated for alleged crimes against the protection of wild flora and fauna and for smuggling.

The armed institute has not provided his identity but the person under investigation, a Valencian businessman —a son of the deceased industrialist Francisco Ros Casares, according to

, must give a statement before the Investigating Court number 2 of Llíria.

The researchers estimate the pieces may have a value of about 30 million euros – although it is a conservative estimate.

The investigation is still open, as confirmed this Sunday by the lieutenant chief of the Nature Protection Team of the Civil Guard Command (Seprona) of Valencia and responsible for the operation, Carlos Domínguez.

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