An orphanage in Malawi has been exposed as a centre of child exploitation and abuse, linked to a Chinese criminal network, with children groomed as wildlife traffickers.
A recent article by the Environmental Investigation Agency highlights the investigation. In addition, journalist Rachel Nuwer has written an in-depth piece for The Economist detailing the shocking abuse and cruelty at the orphanage. Please note, this story is behind a paywall and only available to Economist subscribers
The Elephant Crisis Fund (ECF) is a lead funder of the long term investigation described in these articles, and commends the EIA and all involved for their diligence.
At the heart of this criminal enterprise is Yunhua Lin (pictured above with a Malawian police officer). In 2021, he was sentenced to 14 years in a Malawian prison for wildlife crime and money laundering, but was still able to continue his criminal activities from behind bars. He was unexpectedly pardoned earlier this year by the Malawian president for wildlife offences, but is still in custody facing corruption charges.
The EIA is urging the Government of Malawi to ensure that Lin, his network, and all those associated with the crimes of wildlife trafficking, human trafficking and corruption are thoroughly investigated and brought to justice.