Police arrest 65 in international horsemeat scandal probe *warning: graphic content*
An organised crime gang suspected of trading dodgy horsemeat which ended up in human food has been dismantled in a major Europe-wide operation.
A total of 65 people in Spain have been arrested and charged with crimes including: animal abuse, document forgery, perverted the course of justice, crimes against public health, money laundering and being part of a criminal organisation.
Bank accounts, properties and five luxury cars have also been either blocked or seized.
The Spanish Guardia Civil worked with Europol and authorities in Belgium, France, Italy, Portugal, Romania, Switzerland and the UK to dismantle the group.
The investigation started with the 2013 horsemeat scandal, when Irish authorities found horsemeat in beef burgers affecting numerous food companies.
Bute was also found in the meat and the investigation led to the identification of a Dutch suspect, who was known in the horsemeat industry.
In the summer of 2016, Guardia Civil’s environmental protection service started “Operation Gazel” after unusual behaviour was detected in horsemeat markets.
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
Officers found that horses in bad shape, too old or labelled as “not suitable for consumption” were being slaughtered in two different abattoirs.
These animals came from Portugal and several places in northern Spain. Their meat was processed in a specific facility before being sent to Belgium — one of the largest exporters of horsemeat in the European Union.
The gang forged the horses’ identification by modifying microchips and documentation.
Samples taken during searches at the slaughterhouses and facilities showed the destination of the meat was mainly outside Spain. This was because these samples matched those found abroad.
The Guardia Civil tracked down the Dutch businessman involved in the Irish beef burger case in Calpe, Alicante, from where they believe he was leading the ring.
Investigators found the Spanish element of the organisation was a small part of the whole European operation, which they believe was being controlled by the Dutch suspect.
He was arrested in Belgium while officers swooped on suspects in the other countries simultaneously.
“In total 66 individuals were arrested or investigated,” said a Europol spokesman.
“Three officers from Europol supported the Spanish actions in Alicante and León.
“As a result of all of these actions, several bank accounts and properties were blocked or seized, and five luxury cars seized.
“Because of the international nature of this case, Guardia Civil asked Europol for its support in the operation.”
For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.