Investigation Uncovers Illegal Wolf Hunting Ring at Sweden-Norway Border
Norwegian and Swedish authorities investigate a suspected organized illegal wolf hunting ring at the border.
Key Points
- • Norwegian police investigate a group of ten men for illegal wolf hunting.
- • Over 100 weapons were seized in police raids as part of the investigation.
- • Wolf populations in Värmland and Dalarna are decreasing, partially from illegal hunting.
- • Swedish police are probing three suspects involved in illegal wolf hunting activities.
Authorities in both Norway and Sweden are currently investigating a suspected organized illegal wolf hunting ring that is believed to operate in the border region, raising serious environmental concerns. The Norwegian police have launched an investigation into a group of ten men accused of illegally hunting protected wolves in the forests around Eda, a municipality near the Värmland region of Sweden. Environment prosecutor Tone Strömsnes Olsen from the Norwegian Environmental Crimes Unit described these actions as a severe form of environmental crime, and noted that during recent raids, over 100 weapons were seized along with evidence of deceased wolves, including a wolf female.
In parallel, Swedish authorities are also probing the matter with three men under suspicion for preparing for illegal wolf hunting activities. This cross-border criminal activity has come to light as wolf populations in Värmland and Dalarna have dramatically decreased. Preliminary findings from the recent winter wolf inventory suggest that illegal hunting may be one of the contributing factors to this decline. While there is speculation about a connection between the Norwegian and Swedish investigations, prosecutor Olsen has refrained from confirming any links at this stage.
The ongoing investigations reflect heightened regulatory scrutiny amid concerns for local wildlife and biodiversity. The dramatic decrease in wolf numbers, which has been reported as a result of illegal hunting practices, underscores a broader issue regarding wildlife conservation and enforcement of hunting regulations in both countries.