Two suspects arrested as leaders of bird egg trading network on Gran Canaria

Two suspected leaders of an international bird egg trading network were arrested on Gran Canaria during operation Nido Vacío. The operation was conducted in cooperation with authorities from Brazil and Switzerland.

Operation Nido Vacío against the illegal trade of wild bird eggs was carried out on 19 October. It involved cooperation between Spain, Brazil, and Switzerland. Two suspected leaders of a criminal organisation were arrested on Gran Canaria. The investigation began in October 2025. A Swiss citizen was arrested at that time. She concealed 24 eggs under her clothing for smuggling. The organisation operated for approximately 20 years. It traded bird eggs, mainly parrots, from Brazil. The investigation now focuses on identifying suppliers, intermediaries, and final recipients.