Undercover in Laos: how Chinese tourism fuels animal trafficking – video

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Chinese tourism in Laos has surged, fueling illegal wildlife trafficking involving pangolin scales, rhino horn, and elephant ivory, exacerbated by new transport links like a high-speed rail line. Undercover investigations with activists reveal growing criminal networks threatening endangered species.

Chinese tourism is booming in Laos and the illegal wildlife trade is booming with it. Pangolin scales, rhino horn and elephant ivory are all being sold at secret shops and restaurants as a new high-speed rail line brings millions of visitors to the country. Working with Chinese activists, the Guardian goes undercover to investigate the criminal networks profiting from this trade and to reveal how wildlife trafficking is pushing the critically endangered pangolin ever closer to extinction Continue reading...