The Times on 8th October reported that a charity Save the Rhino has claimed that British antiques traders may be acting as a conduit for international smuggling networks exploiting legal loopholes to launder rhino horn. Necklaces, goblets, dagger hilts and walking stick handles made from the endangered animals’ valuable horn were among dozens of “suspect” items traded by British-based auction houses last year, according to a report for which some 300 rhino horn items that were sold for a total of more than £1.2 million by 51 online auction houses were examined. More than 10% of the total were deemed as possibly dating from after 1947 and so not legal to sell, but it says that there is no requirement for sellers to prove the age or provenance of lots that are put up for sale.
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/antique-auctions-are-being-used-to-smuggle-rhino-horn-5lznkhvdf
