South African rhino breeder accused of running $14 million horn smuggling ring

South African rhino breeder accused of running $14 million horn smuggling ring World Aug 20, 2025 6:48 PM EDT

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — South African prosecutors have accused a well-known rhino breeder of operating a global rhino horn smuggling network alongside five other people.

John Hume, 83, owns one of the world’s largest rhino herds at his Johannesburg ranch. He and the others are accused of a scheme involving 964 rhino horns valued at $14.1 million. Hume has not publicly commented.

Hume was granted $5,000 bond by the Pretoria magistrates court, according to the National Prosecuting Authority, after he and the others handed themselves over to police on Tuesday. Bail conditions included turning over their passports. Prosecutors said they next appear in court on Dec. 9.

A seven-year in