Traveller gang deals in illegal rhino horn

EUROPEAN police have issued an alert about an Irish organised crime gang involved in the global sale of stolen rhinoceros horns.

Due to its rarity, a rhino horn is worth between €25,000 and €200,000.

The Irish Examiner understands the gang is an outfit called the Rathkeale Rovers, a Traveller gang originally from the Rathkeale area of Co Limerick.

The gang, which is reported to have 50 members, has been active for many years across Europe and beyond.

According to reports there have been up to 20 thefts of rhino horns so far this year.

In each case between one and four horns have been taken.

The rhino horn is much sought after across the world for decoration, in the production of luxury goods and in traditional medicine, including Chinese medicine.

Trading in rhino horns is illegal under UN laws as they are endangered species.

In a statement issued yesterday, the EU police agency, Europol, said: “The attraction towards rhino horn clearly stems from the high value of this rare commodity. Depending on the size and quality of the specimen, a rhino can be worth between €25,000 and €200,000.”

It said: “Significant players within this area of crime have been identified as an Irish and ethnically-Irish organised criminal group, who are known to use intimidation and violence to achieve their ends.

“To source and acquire rhino horns, the group has targeted antique dealers, auction houses, art galleries, museums, private collections and zoos, resorting to theft and aggravated burglary where necessary.

“To sell specimens, they have exploited international auction houses in the UK, France, USA and China.”

It said the gang is also involved in drugs trafficking, organised robbery, distribution of counterfeit products, tarmac fraud and money laundering.

In addition to Europe, they are active in North and South America, South Africa, China and Australia.

Members of the gang are suspected to have invested significant proceeds of crime in Ireland, mainly in property and other assets.

Europol’s efforts to thwart this network are being led by Pat Byrne, the former head of the Criminal Assets Bureau.

In September 2010, the Dubliner took over as head of Europol’s 08 section, charged with combating organised criminal networks in south-east Europe.

He is also tasked with combating specific crimes across the EU, including mobile itinerant gangs, such as the Irish rhino horn network.

“This is a significant criminal operation where these criminals have developed highly sophisticated and innovative techniques to carry out a variety of thefts and robberies and consequential money laundering and asset concealment methods to dispose of the significant profits they are earning,” he said.

“Europol has a key role in coordinating law enforcement activities in member states and Ireland is a key partner targeting these criminal gangs.”

In January 2010, customs officers confiscated 10 rhino horns at Shannon Airport, suspected of being smuggled by the Rathkeale Rovers.