Investigation Uncovers Alleged Nexus Between Wildlife NGO and Poaching Syndicate; 10 Leopard Skins Seized

Investigative authorities have uncovered a startling alleged collaboration between a prominent Delhi-based conservation organization, Wildlife SOS, and illegal poaching networks following the seizure of 10 leopard skins. The Madhya Pradesh State Tiger Strike Force (STSF) has initiated a deep-dive probe into claims that the NGO staged enforcement successes for institutional gain

The case originated on July 23, when four poachers were apprehended on the Gwalior-Agra highway carrying 10 leopard skins. While Wildlife SOS initially claimed credit for the bust through its "Forest Watch" unit, a parallel investigation by the MP STSF revealed that two key suspects, seasoned trader Bhagwan Singh (alias Salim) and his associate Wasim, were actually on the NGO’s payroll. Singh has reportedly been employed by the organization for at least five years.

Investigators have gathered "substantial digital evidence" suggesting that Wildlife SOS CEO Kartick Satyanarayan may have organized poaching events to "stage seizures". This strategy was allegedly used to build a false anti-poaching profile, attract major donors, and secure grants. Evidence suggests the NGO’s own vehicle was used to scout forest areas around Shivpuri and Morena to distribute leg-hold traps to local hunters.

Key Evidence Discovered

•⁠  ⁠Multiple sites containing buried leopard remains were discovered in the Shivpuri and Morena forests; these have been sent to the Wildlife Institute of India for DNA matching.

•⁠  ⁠Authorities recovered three leg-hold traps sourced from Haryana that were allegedly distributed by the NGO-linked network.

•⁠  ⁠Records indicate Singh and Wasim were also present during a 2023 seizure in Tamil Nadu’s Sathyamangalam forest, for which Wildlife SOS also claimed credit.

The MP State Tiger Strike Force (STSF) has issued a formal notice to Wildlife SOS CEO Kartick Satyanarayan, directing him to appear before investigators in Shivpuri on August 17. Madhya Pradesh Chief Wildlife Warden Sameeta Rajoura said the department is coordinating with the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) to strengthen surveillance in the region's forests and investigate possible links to wildlife trafficking.

Wildlife SOS Under Scrutiny

Founded in 1995 by Kartick Satyanarayan and Geeta Seshamani, Wildlife SOS runs several wildlife rescue centres across India under Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with state governments. In light of the ongoing allegations, authorities are now reviewing these arrangements, including a pending MoU for a bear rescue centre in Bhopal.