Chilean authorities have initiated an investigation against Camilo Sanhueza, former ambassador and current head of the Antarctic Affairs Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for alleged smuggling of stuffed skins of protected species. The shipment, which included skins of lion, zebra, fox, and lynx, was seized at the port of San Antonio.
The National Customs Service discovered 16 stuffed skins hidden in a container declared as personal belongings. Among the confiscated items were decorative rugs, a coat, and fox fur hats, as well as canteens covered with skins from various species. Several of these species are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), thus their entry into Chile is prohibited.
The discovery led to an investigation led by the Valparaíso prosecutor’s office and an administrative inquiry ordered by the Chancellery. The identity of the responsible party was initially kept confidential, but it was later confirmed to be Sanhueza, who served as Chile’s ambassador to Hungary between 2020 and 2024.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the opening of the administrative inquiry to determine the diplomat’s responsibilities. In addition to the alleged smuggling offense, Sanhueza could face charges for violating national legislation on illegal trade of protected species.
How were the skins discovered?
The 16 products made from the skins of zebra, oryx, lynx, lion, and fox were found by the staff of the Regional Customs Directorate of San Antonio on January 28th.
These skins were inside a container from Europe that arrived on the Chilean coast by sea with the personal belongings of the diplomatic official, who had just finished his assignment in Hungary.
According to Customs agents, these skins would be the evidence confirming that Sanhueza violated Law No. 20,962, related to CITES. As a result, the authorities filed a complaint, investigated by the Chilean Public Ministry.
Skin smuggling, a practice penalized by law
In Chile, smuggling carries fines and prison sentences of up to three years, depending on the severity of the offense and the nature of the goods involved. The case caused a great stir given the official’s position and the environmental impact of this type of illegal trade.
Authorities continue with the investigation to clarify the facts and determine possible sanctions against the former ambassador. Meanwhile, environmental organizations expressed concern about the smuggling of protected species and urged to strengthen controls to prevent the illegal entry of these products into the country.
Source: AP.
Have you visited our YouTube channel? Subscribe now!
