Inside the secret Laos shops selling pangolin scales, bear bile and tiger bones to tourists
An undercover investigation by The Guardian reveals that organized crime networks in Laos are using front souvenir shops to sell illegal wildlife products, including pangolin scales and tiger bones. These shops specifically target Chinese tourists, contributing to the global decline of endangered species.
Why it matters
This highlights the persistent and dangerous nature of the illegal wildlife trade, which continues to thrive despite international bans and conservation efforts.
15:26 Undercover in Laos: how Chinese tourism fuels animal trafficking – video The age of extinction Wildlife Inside the secret Laos shops selling pangolin scales, bear bile and tiger bones to tourists Covert footage obtained by the Guardian shows how crime networks are using front souvenir shops to hide a booming wildlife trade targeted at a new influx of Chinese tourists
About this content Robyn Vinter and Frances Rankin Tue 14 Jul 2026 07.17 EDT Last modified on Tue 14 Jul 2026 07.18 EDT Share Prefer the Guardian on Google T he shop is dark and deserted. Though the door is open, there is clearly no expectation of any customers walking in off the street. Visits are likely by appointment and from a specific clientele. This shop is part of an organised crime network. What is being sold is highly illegal and incredibly unethical.
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