Europol supported a major operation against a criminal network suspected of trafficking horses across Europe, according to the agency. Investigators allege the group used falsified documents and manipulated microchips to hide the animals’ true identities. Europol said the approach was designed to make the horses appear to be something other than what they were. The operation was aimed at disrupting the network suspected of moving horses across European borders as part of the alleged trafficking scheme. Europol’s involvement focused on backing the investigation, which targeted the criminal network behind the offence. Police operations and investigations do not automatically mean those involved are guilty. In this case, the people and groups referenced are described as alleged suspects. The Europol notice provides an overview of the method used in the alleged horse trafficking scheme, highlighting document fraud and tampering with microchip identification as the key features. Beyond that, the report does not specify further case details such as arrests, charges, or the legal outcomes. The Europol-supported action underscores how authorities are using cross-border cooperation to tackle animal trafficking suspected of exploiting identification systems meant to track individual animals.