Illegal hunting network uncovered in Bolivia and Argentina, with wealthy American and Spanish citizens offered packages up to $50,000 to hunt jaguars. The Argentine company “Cazadores Safaris” provided these services for years, resulting in the deaths of several jaguars. Images of individuals posing with a jaguar they hunted in Bolivia’s protected area, “MN San Matias,” have gone viral on social media. These individuals are associates and clients of “Cazadores Safaris,” a hunting network based in Dolores, Argentina. In August 2024, Argentine federal police seized over 3,000 trophies during an operation and filed charges against seven individuals.
On the other hand, prosecutors in Bolivia recently initiated an investigation against George Nestor Nova, an Argentine citizen, and his Spanish client, Luis Villalba Ruiz, for allegedly killing five jaguars in Bolivia in September 2023. Nova is currently missing, while the search for Villalba Ruiz is ongoing. Prosecutor Alberto Zubidos of Santa Cruz, Bolivia, stated, “We have learned that Mr. Villalba had purchased a package to hunt in San Matias. His whereabouts are unknown, and we are seeking answers from immigration and Bolivia’s air navigation and airports.” This complaint was filed by lawmaker Maria Rene Alvarez, an environmental group “Jaguar’s Roar,” and park ranger Marcos Azcuiano.
The head of the network, Nova, during his annual tours, alerted foreign clients, who participated in American association “Safari Club International” and Spain’s “Expo Singletica.” According to an investigation, Nova may have met Villalba during these encounters, who describes himself as “one of the few remaining children who hunt with a bow worldwide.” The illegal hunting network began operating in 1979, organizing 30 confirmed hunting trips in Bolivia’s jungles. The remains of animals were taxidermied in illegal workshops and then sent as “trophies” to hunters’ countries. Investigations into the matter are ongoing, while the dismissal of the director of Bolivia’s national protected areas service in January indicates possible government involvement in the network.
In Argentina, a police raid resulted in the seizure of 37 vehicles, a property, and three hunting grounds, where besides jaguars, other animals were also hunted.
