A Chilean criminal trafficked over 100 cacti and ended up sentenced in Italy. This incredible criminal story begins in the Atacama desert and features an endemic and extremely vulnerable species.
It involves the Copiapoa cacti, which are characterized by their adaptation to extreme conditions.
These cacti only grow in the mentioned territory of the Andean country, one of the most arid places on the planet. With extreme temperatures and almost absolute dryness, it seems like an inhospitable environment for almost any form of life.
He Trafficked over 1000 Exclusive and Vulnerable Cacti
The adaptation to life in one of the world’s driest deserts makes them a symbol of resilience. Moreover, due to their rarity and beauty, they are highly sought after by plant collectors, making them victims of international trafficking.
Copiapoa cacti. (Photo: Wikipedia).[/caption>
The story that came to light these days began in 2013, when in a customs operation at Milan Malpensa airport, a suspicious shipment containing 143 Copiapoa cacti was intercepted.
The shipment, apparently compliant with phytosanitary documents, raised suspicions due to inconsistencies in the paperwork.
Subsequent investigation revealed that the recipient of the shipment was Andrea Piombetti, a renowned cactus collector and dealer in Italy.
It was then discovered that, in addition to illegally receiving plants, he was also involved in trafficking.
Authorities found plants at his home and also at a close friend’s house, confirming through the relevant analyses their illegal extraction from the Atacama desert in Chile.
Although the case initially expired, the investigation was reactivated in 2020 when Piombetti was investigated for another crime related to the trafficking of rare plants.
How the Trafficking Network Operated
After receiving a report about a “rare tree,” the police investigated and, although no such specimen was found, they discovered over 1000 Copiapoa cacti on his property.
Some came directly from the Atacama desert. Investigations revealed that Piombetti had traveled to Chile several times between 2016 and 2019, suggesting a possible direct connection with local traffickers.
It was also discovered that the now convicted individual, along with his accomplice, Mattia Crescentini, were part of an illegal trafficking network operating in several countries.
The stolen cacti were sold online, mainly to private collectors worldwide, with prices ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars. The stolen plants were valued at over $1.1 million.
Finally, a criminal process was initiated in 2020, leading to a five-year trial that concluded this month.
As a result, 840 Copiapoa cacti were repatriated to Chile. This not only represented a victory in the fight against illegal trafficking but also set a precedent for biodiversity protection.
Characteristics of Copiapoa Cacti
Among the cracks in the rocks and in the most remote areas of the Atacama desert, Copiapoa cacti grow. This is a species known for its adaptation to such extreme conditions.
These species grow in the Atacama desert, Chile.
This group of cacti, composed of over 30 species, is only found in this region in northern Chile, making them very exclusive and vulnerable.
Copiapoa cacti have an extremely slow growth rate, only about a centimeter per year, and survive thanks to the camanchaca, a coastal fog that provides them with the moisture they do not receive from rainfall.
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