Maltese Man Caught In Sicily Smuggling 2,700+ Protected Birds

A Maltese man was caught by Sicilian authorities attempting to smuggle nearly 2,700 protected birds into Malta, with an estimated value of €400,000. He was stopped at the port of Pozzallo while trying to board a ferry.

The birds, including goldfinches, greenfinches and chaffinches, were found inside a refrigerated container hidden in cardboard boxes.

Reports indicated they were kept at minus two degrees Celsius in poor sanitary conditions, which vets said reduced their lifespan to around two months. The transport conditions also posed potential risks to public health.

Authorities released the birds into the Pantano Cuba-Longarini nature reserve in Granelli. The man faces charges including theft, receiving stolen goods, abandonment of animals and illegal capture and possession of protected species.

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