Malawi’s pardon of wildlife trafficker sparks conservation outcry

(Lilongwe, 10 July 2025) — Malawi’s reputation for decisive action against wildlife crime is facing renewed attention following the pardon of Yunhua Lin, a convicted leader of the Lin-Zhang wildlife trafficking syndicate.

Sentenced to 14 years in 2019 for trafficking rhino horn and money laundering, Lin was pardoned after serving just four years of his sentence, well below Malawi’s standard clemency threshold of half the sentence.

His associate, Qin Hua Zhang, serving an 11-year sentence for similar crimes, was also released and has reportedly left the country.

Lin remains on remand as an awaiting trial prisoner in Maula Prison, Lilongwe. He is charged with attempting to corrupt a High Court judge, and bail has been denied. IFAW joins the conservation community in Malawi in expressing concern about the decision, which they warn could undermine years of conservation progress across Southern Africa.

“We are alarmed by the release of a major wildlife trafficker,” said Patricio Ndadzela, IFAW Country Director for Malawi and Zambia. “This sends the wrong signal to criminal networks and could seriously impact morale among those on the frontlines of conservation.”

“Over the years, we have worked tirelessly and collaboratively with the Malawian government to protect the endangered species, including elephants, and remain confident that the government will continue to pursue strong regulations to safeguard its priceless natural heritage from the alarming challenges posed by organised crime,” added Ndadzela.

In 2017, Malawi made headlines by passing one of Africa’s toughest wildlife laws. Before this, the average fine for ivory trafficking was just US$40, with imprisonment rare. The amended National Parks and Wildlife Act removed fine options for major crimes and introduced prison terms of up to 30 years, comparable to Africa's highest wildlife crime tariffs.

Despite the setback, IFAW is focused on advancing its shared conservation goals in Malawi through its partnership with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW). This includes scaling up cross-border efforts in the government and the people of Malawi to strengthen law enforcement and work in the Malawi-Zambia Transfrontier Conservation Area. Looking ahead, IFAW is committed to working with the government and the people of Malawi to enhance law enforcement and work with communities to safeguard the region’s iconic species.

***Ends***