Pigeon theft mastermind jailed and eight co-conspirators convicted after major Belgian raid
Updated
Updated · CBS New York · Apr 26
Pigeon theft mastermind jailed and eight co-conspirators convicted after major Belgian raid
7 articles · Updated · CBS New York · Apr 26
A March 2025 raid in a Brussels suburb led to the recovery of 87 stolen pigeons, with DNA analysis identifying 20 birds, including two of champion Finn's grandchildren.
The mastermind received a 30-month jail sentence, but has not revealed the fate of Tom Van Gaver's prized pigeons, including Finn, stolen in 2024.
Driven by soaring prize money and a lucrative black market, international gangs have targeted elite racing pigeons, prompting increased security and genetic tracking in Belgium's high-stakes pigeon racing industry.
With DNA databases making stolen birds a liability, can the 'pigeon mafia' outsmart science to profit from their heists?
A champion pigeon worth millions vanished into Europe's black market. Can he ever truly be found?
With a mastermind jailed for only 30 months, what truly deters the next multi-million dollar pigeon heist?
From pigeons to exotic animals, is organized wildlife trafficking becoming a major, overlooked global security threat?
When a single pigeon sells for $1.8 million, is it still a sport or a speculative bubble waiting to burst?