A prosecution investigator removes a python illegally kept in a residential area during a raid on an illegal wildlife ring. (Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors’ Office) Five people have been indicted for allegedly smuggling nearly 200 wild animals, including cobras and endangered alligators, into South Korea and selling them to domestic buyers, the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors’ Office said Friday.The suspects allegedly imported the animals on 14 occasions between November 2023 and August 2024. Of the roughly 200 animals involved, 54 were endangered species.The alleged ringleader was detained, while the other four were indicted without detention.The animals included endangered Chinese alligators and black marsh turtles, as well as venomous cobras. Some were kept illegally in apartments, villas and studio units.Prosecutors confiscated 95 animals from locations used by the suspects and transferred them to the National Institute of Ecology in Seocheon, South Chungcheong Province, for protection. Saltwater crocodiles were confiscated at Incheon Airport in July 2025 after being illegally brought into Korea in plastic bags by a member of the wildlife trafficking ring. (Yonhap) The group allegedly contacted sellers in Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand through social media and sold the animals to domestic buyers through online communities. They disguised the sales posts using terms such as “stuffed animals” and “figures” and delivered the animals using courier services.To evade customs inspections, the suspects allegedly concealed the animals in metal snack containers or plastic boxes, sometimes with their mouths bound shut. Some were reportedly smuggled into the country hidden in underwear.Prosecutors said many of the animals died from extreme stress during the smuggling process.The investigation began after an accomplice was caught by customs officials at Incheon Airport in July 2025. During a further investigation, prosecutors found that the alleged ringleader had previously avoided punishment by having another accomplice confess in his place.Prosecutors also found that the ringleader demanded 60 million won ($42,300) from an accomplice in exchange for helping him avoid investigation and extorted 9.1 million won.“Wild animals can pose serious threats to public safety if they escape or are lost in urban areas, as they may carry risks related to venom, aggression and disease transmission,” prosecutors said.“We will work closely with the relevant agencies, including environmental authorities and the National Institute of Ecology, to take strict action against the smuggling, illegal distribution and unauthorized possession of wild animals.”