Last week’s raid that saw hundreds of protected birds found dead in Ħal-Kirkop has led Maltese law enforcement to believe that the poachers are involved with alleged hunting crimes in Egypt.

In an article written by Times of Malta, a police source active on the investigation disclosed information about one of the poachers, who allegedly organises hunting trips in Egyptian national parks.

These poaching trips not only involve the shooting down and smuggling of birds, but are also associated with suspicions about bribery and the trade of illegal guns.

Given the sheer number of birds found in last week’s raid, investigators believe that this is the work of numerous poaching trips, likely dating back to the 1990s.

In a survey carried out by the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency, Maltese poaching trips were cited as having a devastating effect on bird populations.

“The Maltese and other poachers get a thrill out of decimating the wildlife of Lake Nasser, if it moves, kill it, whether a pelican or crocodile.”

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