A man has been charged after he allegedly attempted to sell “protected” parts of a leopard and a bear online.
The 49-year-old was arrested after police executed a search warrant at an address in the Cowdenbeath area of Fife as part of an “intelligence-led operation”.
The force revealed that a number of animal parts were recovered from the property.
A spokesman said: “Following an independent expert analysis these are believed to be from a leopard and a large bear.”
The man was charged under Section 8 (1) of the Control of Trade in Endangered Species (Enforcement) Regulations 1997.
A report will now be sent to the procurator fiscal.
Lindsay Kerr, Wildlife and Environmental Crime Officer, said: “It is really quite rare, particularly in this part of the world, for someone to be involved in this kind of illegal and very damaging trade.
“However, acting on intelligence, Police Scotland and the National Wildlife Crime Unit carried out a thorough investigation and have arrested a 49-year-old man who is due to appear in court at a later date.
“My advice to anyone who is involved in the illegal sale of protected species is not to take the risk. It is a criminal offence and we investigate all reports of wildlife crime with the aim of ensuring that those involved in any black market activities are arrested.
“Anyone who wants to contact Police Scotland regarding wildlife crime should telephone the non-emergency number 101, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”