Laos’s illegal wildlife shops keep growing despite enforcement, investigators find

Despite efforts by authorities to crack down on illegal wildlife trade, investigations reveal that such operations in Laos are not only continuing but also growing. A joint investigation in July 2025 identified at least 21 illegal wildlife shopping sites embedded in tour packages, primarily targeting Chinese tourists. This ongoing issue underscores the challenges in enforcing wildlife protection laws and highlights the need for stronger international cooperation to combat this illegal activity, which threatens endangered species and undermines conservation efforts.