Malawi President Sparks Outrage After Pardoning Notorious Chinese Wildlife Traffickers
In a contentious decision, Malawi’s president has granted pardons to leaders of a notorious Chinese wildlife trafficking organization, raising concerns about the potential resurgence of poaching activities and the associated risk of disease transmission, including coronaviruses.
Lin Yunhua and his partner Qin Hua Zhang, who led the Lin-Zhang syndicate notorious for its operations across southern Africa, were part of a group of 15 individuals convicted during a major crackdown on ivory trafficking.
Their arrest in 2019 uncovered elephant tusks, hippopotamus teeth, and rhino horns linked to animals killed in Malawi’s Liwonde National Park—where Prince Harry volunteered in 2016.
At the same time, authorities in Hong Kong reported record seizures of wildlife contraband, including their largest haul of rhino horns valued at over $1 million and 8.3 tonnes of pangolin scales from nearly 14,000 animals.
Zhang received an 11-year sentence in 2020, while Lin was sentenced to 14 years in 2021. Both were set for deportation after serving their terms. Additional accomplices—eight Chinese nationals and four Malawians—were also imprisoned across various facilities.
Prosecutors labeled the Lin-Zhang organization as a “dangerous syndicate,” responsible for financing and executing wildlife crimes throughout the region with smuggling routes extending to China and other illegal markets.
Recently, however, both Lin and Zhang appeared on a list of 21 individuals pardoned by Lazarus Chakwera, the President of Malawi. This information was confirmed by several prison officials who shared details with *The Telegraph*.
The presidency has yet to comment on these pardons or release the list publicly amid significant criticism from conservationists who contend that this action could lead to increased large-scale poaching at a time when global efforts are focused on combating illegal wildlife trade linked to traditional Chinese medicine practices.
Currently, Lin remains detained due to unrelated corruption charges while Zhang is believed to have returned home following his clemency.
Despite notable progress made against poaching within Malawi and southern Africa, interest in traditional Chinese medicine continues to surge rapidly.
The demand for ivory persists alongside pangolin scales; practitioners assert that these materials can treat various health issues such as blocked mammary glands and circulation problems—though no scientific evidence supports these claims.
The pardoning has also raised concerns regarding public health risks tied to reinstating illegal animal trade operations that could heighten disease transmission from animals to humans—including coronaviruses.
A recent comprehensive study published in *Nature* indicated an increase in detected coronaviruses along supply chains involving pangolin meat and scales destined for China.
According to the report: “Analysis of confiscated pangolins reveals several coronavirus types sharing up to 92 percent genetic similarity with SARS-CoV-2—the virus responsible for Covid-19.” It further noted that while too distantly related to directly cause SARS-CoV-2 infection, these viruses may lead pangolins to exhibit Covid-19-like symptoms and pose risks for human infection.
Additional research cited from *Current Biology* suggests that approximately one-quarter of mammals involved in wildlife trafficking harbor three-quarters of known zoonotic viruses. Significant reservoirs identified include primates, ungulates, bats, and carnivores.
Conditions commonly found within wildlife markets—where diverse species are housed together under stressful and unsanitary conditions—create environments conducive to viral transmission between species that could ultimately infect humans,” observed this study.
These findings underscore an urgent need for stricter regulations governing wildlife trade alongside robust conservation initiatives aimed at preserving biodiversity. Such measures are essential not only for ecosystem protection but also for reducing future pandemic risks by limiting opportunities for zoonotic spillover events.
The convictions against leaders of the Lin-Zhang syndicate had been hailed by conservationists as critical milestones toward dismantling international trafficking networks while decreasing demand for illegal components utilized in traditional medicines.
Mary Rice, Executive Director of the Environmental Investigation Agency remarked: “After years of effort amidst numerous challenges, this small nation demonstrated how political commitment can disrupt one of Africa’s most infamous wildlife crime organizations.”
This landmark case significantly aided Malawi’s removal from CITES’ list designating countries as “primary concern” regarding wildlife trafficking through legal reforms and targeted enforcement strategies.
However, these recent pardons now threaten Malawi’s reputation as a leader in the fight against wildlife crime on an international level.
Mathews Malata—a climate diplomacy advisor—has warned about severe implications regarding global credibility stemming from this decision: “This undermines trust among donors and partners,” he stated. “This case was crucial—it highlighted our commitment. Lin orchestrated numerous offenses still awaiting judicial resolution.”
He cautioned that releasing Lin could undo years’ worth of progress while jeopardizing Malawi’s status as a model country for wildlife protection: “This was an opportunity for leadership affirmation; allowing Lin early release compromises everything we’ve achieved.”
Local governance advocate Paul Mvula questioned whether Lin met necessary criteria for clemency—including completing half his sentence along with demonstrating good behavior—as new state allegations suggest he attempted bribery involving a High Court judge along with prison officials during incarceration.
Nevertheless—the leader of the Lin-Zhang gang—who remains free concerning wildlife charges but awaits trial over corruption allegations—has publicly denied these accusations during court proceedings.
“This pardon raises significant governance concerns,” Mr Mvula asserted while calling for reevaluation or possible reversal regarding leniency granted: “We suspect there may have been misinformation presented to the President.”
An anonymous ranger affiliated with the Department of National Parks expressed concern that Lin’s release might empower other traffickers while demoralizing conservation staff: “His apprehension marked a pivotal change,” stated the ranger; “Allowing his return undermines years dedicated by rangers and investigators alike.”
