John Hume: Conservationist in South Africa denies smuggling rhino horns worth $14m

John Hume was allegedly part of an international rhino horn trafficking syndicate, prosecutors say.

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In a statement, John Hume, the former owner of what is thought to be the world's largest rhino farm, denied allegations that he trafficked the horns from South Africa to South East Asia.

The 83-year-old Mr Hume and five others, including a lawyer and a game reserve manager, have appeared in court on 55 charges, including theft, money laundering and fraud.

The group was allegedly part of an international rhino horn trafficking syndicate between 2017 and 2024, prosecutors said.

Mr Hume and his co-defendants are accused of smuggling more than 960 horns, obtaining permits to sell them locally, when the true intention was to export the horns to South East Asia, where they are used in traditional medicine.