The Dirty Business of Monkey Laundering | Bloomberg Investigates
The demand for long-tailed macaques for research, especially after COVID-19, led to a huge increase in their value and illegal poaching. This created a system called "monkey laundering," where wild monkeys were caught, their paperwork was faked to say they were bred in captivity, and then they were sold to research companies. An investigation, Operation Long Tail Liberation, began after a whistleblower from a large Cambodian monkey supplier came forward. This led to a trial against a Cambodian government official, Masphal Kry, accused of helping smuggle monkeys. Although there was much evidence, including marked crates of wild monkeys, Kry was found not guilty. Despite this, the case brought public attention to the illegal trade and made it harder for companies to smuggle monkeys, highlighting that the demand for these monkeys in the U.S. is a major cause of the problem.
Key Vocabulary
The act of killing or injuring someone or something with an electric shock.
Examples:
- The faulty wiring in the old house posed a risk of electrocution to its inhabitants.
- To prevent accidental electrocution, always unplug appliances before attempting repairs.
- The safety regulations for working with high voltage equipment are designed to avoid electrocution.
A judgment that a person is not guilty of the crime with which they have been charged.
Examples:
- The jury's acquittal of the defendant surprised many observers given the strong evidence presented.
- After a lengthy trial, the defense attorney successfully argued for his client's acquittal.
- The news of his acquittal was met with mixed reactions from the community.
Large, heavily built mammals of tropical Asia and Africa, with one or two horns on the nose.
Examples:
- Conservationists are working tirelessly to protect rhinos from poaching.
- The African savanna is home to several species of rhinos.
- A baby rhino followed its mother closely through the tall grass.
The illegal movement of goods or people into or out of a country.
Examples:
- Customs officials increased their efforts to combat drug smuggling across the border.
- The historical accounts describe widespread smuggling of tea and silk in the 18th century.
- The organization was dismantled due to its involvement in arms smuggling.
Individuals who illegally move goods or people into or out of a country.
Examples:
- The border patrol agents apprehended a group of smugglers attempting to transport illicit goods.
- Historically, many coastal towns were known as havens for smugglers.
- The international task force was formed to target major wildlife smugglers.
A room in which a court of law is held.
Examples:
- The lawyer presented compelling evidence to the jury in the crowded courtroom.
- Reporters gathered outside the courtroom, awaiting the verdict.
- The judge maintained strict order within the courtroom during the proceedings.
Examples:
- The criminal organization used a complex network of shell companies to launder their illicit profits.
- He tried to launder the stolen artwork by selling it through a reputable auction house.
- The investigation revealed a sophisticated scheme to launder funds from corrupt officials.
To move (goods or people) illegally into or out of a country.
Examples:
- The gang attempted to smuggle rare artifacts out of the country.
- It is a serious offense to smuggle endangered species across international borders.
- They planned to smuggle the diamonds in a hidden compartment of the vehicle.
A medium-sized, sturdy primate with a relatively short tail, found in Asia and Africa.
Examples:
- The long-tailed macaque is a common sight in many parts of Southeast Asia.
- Researchers often study macaque behavior to understand social dynamics.
- A group of macaques was observed foraging for food near the temple.
Waste matter discharged from the bowels; excrement.
Examples:
- The laboratory analysis of animal feces can provide insights into their diet.
- Proper disposal of animal feces is important for public health.
- The presence of feces indicated that wild animals had been in the area.
To drop, throw, or put down heavily or clumsily.
Examples:
- She plopped her heavy bag onto the kitchen counter with a thud.
- He plopped down onto the sofa after a long day of work.
- The cat plopped itself onto the warm blanket and immediately fell asleep.
To draw public attention to something.
Examples:
- The investigative report helped to spotlight the unethical practices within the industry.
- The documentary aimed to spotlight the struggles of local artists.
- Her groundbreaking research put a spotlight on a previously overlooked scientific theory.
The illegal hunting or capturing of wild animals, especially protected species.
Examples:
- Anti-poaching units work tirelessly to protect endangered wildlife in national parks.
- The increase in demand for exotic animal products has led to a rise in poaching.
- The government implemented stricter laws to deter poaching of marine life.
Not harmful or offensive.
Examples:
- What started as an innocuous comment quickly escalated into a heated debate.
- The seemingly innocuous plant can cause a severe allergic reaction in some individuals.
- His remark, though seemingly innocuous, carried a deeper, hidden meaning.
The illegal movement of goods, people, or animals.
Examples:
- International efforts are focused on disrupting human trafficking networks.
- The organization was implicated in the trafficking of stolen cultural artifacts.
- Wildlife trafficking poses a significant threat to global biodiversity.
Hesitating or doubting; not to be relied upon or suspected of being suspect.
Examples:
- The claims made by the company seemed dubious to many consumers.
- He had a dubious reputation in the financial community.
- The evidence presented by the defense was of dubious authenticity.
Declared not guilty of a criminal offense.
Examples:
- Despite strong public opinion, the defendant was acquitted of all charges.
- She was acquitted after the jury found insufficient evidence to convict her.
- The court acquitted him, allowing him to resume his normal life.
The positive aspect of a situation.
Examples:
- Even in difficult times, it's important to look for the upside.
- The upside of working remotely is the flexibility it offers.
- Despite the initial challenges, the project's long-term upside is considerable.
Causing horror; dreadful.
Examples:
- The eyewitness described the horrific scene of the accident.
- The news report detailed the horrific conditions faced by refugees.
- The film depicted the horrific consequences of war.
Relating to both biology and medicine; specifically, involving the application of the natural sciences to clinical medicine.
Examples:
- The university has a leading research facility for biomedical engineering.
- Advances in biomedical technology have revolutionized disease diagnosis and treatment.
- The company specializes in developing biomedical devices for surgical procedures.