Former Owner of World’s Largest Rhino Herd Arrested in Relation to Horn Trafficking
In what could prove to be a pivotal milestone for rhino conservation, 19th August 2025 saw six significant arrests in South Africa relating to the illegal trafficking of rhino horn from Africa to Asia. The rhino horn in question was not acquired through poaching but through the laundering of legally obtained horn into the illegal channels through alleged fraudulent practices.
Today’s arrests area significant step in the process of identifying and bringing to justice so called ‘white-collar’ criminals who are heavily involved in the illegal wildlife trade and specifically the trafficking of rhino horn. All rhino horn that ends up on the trading floors in Asia hampers the long-term success of global rhino conservation and I congratulate the South African authorities on the process of bringing these individuals to justice
John Hume, the former owner of the world’s single largest rhino herd amassed over 2000 white rhinos during his years as a rhino breeder. Now the 83-year-old has handed himself in along with five other individuals in relation to 964 fraudulent rhino horn permit deals.
It is alleged that the group, which includes Hume’s two attorneys and former farm manager, operated an international rhino horn trafficking syndicate between 2017 and 2024, using fraudulent permits to channel 964 rhino horns from South Africa to markets in Southeast Asia. It is further alleged that the group hired local homeless people to pose as domestic buyers as part of the scheme. The group faces over 50 charges linked to allegations of fraud, theft, racketeering and money laundering.
The trading of rhino horn is legal within South Africa and between South African nationals following an appeal in 2015 by a small group of rhino owners, including Hume himself, against a government ban. However, demand for rhino horn is low to non-existent within the boards of South Africa, with most demand coming from countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia and China. International trade remains illegal.
Helping Rhinos will continue to work with our teams on the ground to develop Rhino Strongholds and will stand alongside all other rhino conservation organisations and the relevant authorities who are working tirelessly to bring the perpetrators of rhino crime to justice.
The recent arrests of the John Hume syndicate is demonstrative of the depth of the illegal trade in rhino horns. This is not just impoverished communities sneaking in and out of protected areas to poach rhinos. Here is another clear example of how legalising trade could be misused and stimulate illegal trade. The end-user markets must be brought on board to reduce demand and white-collar criminals, and corrupt officials must be brought to book. Our rangers work day and night to buy time for the rhinos, and it is these higher-level criminals our enforcement agencies must be focusing on. My faith in the South African justice system is restored through this case and we wish the prosecutions authority every strength to their arm to see that justice is served.