$1 Million Dollar Reward for Xaysavang Network and their endangered animal poachers

US Secretary of State John Kerry announced a $1 million reward for information leading to dismantling of Laos-based criminal syndicate, the Xaysavang Network. The network has been accused of contributing to a "trade of African ivory, rhino horns, tiger bones and endangered animals harvested by the thousands from Asian jungles."  They've indirectly and possibly even directly contributed to the extinction of the West African black rhinoceros. The head of the network insists he's being framed and that his dealings are legitimate.

The reward is out there, just the same. That breaks down to: 7,943,768,812.51 Kip, just in case you were curious.

I've stressed this before, and I'll say it again: Lao need to take a firmer stance against animal parts trafficking and embrace greater environmental stewardship. This is not up for discussion.