---
title: "Rangers Report Harassment After Seizing Illegal Trapping Nets in Gozo"
date: 2026-03-23T14:45:47.573+00:00
updated: 2026-03-24T02:03:33.251+00:00
topics: ["Gozo", "Environment", "Crime"]
canonical: https://filqosor.com/article/2026-03-23/rangers-report-harassment-after-seizing-illegal-trapping-nets-gozo
source: Fil-Qosor
---

# Rangers Report Harassment After Seizing Illegal Trapping Nets in Gozo

## In brief

- Malta Ranger Unit members were reportedly followed by a vehicle in Gozo after removing illegal bird trapping sites.
- The incident led the unit to file a police report.
- The rangers reiterated their call for a dedicated Environmental Protection Unit in Gozo.

Members of the Malta Ranger Unit have filed a police report after experiencing what they described as threatening behaviour in Gozo. The rangers reported being followed by a vehicle on Saturday, shortly after they had acted to remove unregistered bird trapping sites on the island.

The incident occurred after the unit confiscated illegal trapping nets, prompting concerns for the safety of the rangers. This event has reinforced the Malta Ranger Unit's argument for the establishment of a dedicated Environmental Protection Unit in Gozo.

Such a unit, they argue, would provide better support and protection for those working to combat environmental crime, including illegal trapping, which remains a persistent issue.

The Malta Ranger Unit has filed a police report after its rangers in Gozo were reportedly followed by a vehicle on Saturday. The incident occurred after the rangers acted to remove unregistered bird trapping sites. The unit stated that this event reinforces its argument for the need of a dedicated Environmental Protection Unit on the island of Gozo.

Members of the Malta Ranger Unit have reported experiencing threatening behaviour after seizing illegal trapping nets in Gozo. The unit stated that this incident reinforces their call for the establishment of a dedicated Police Environmental Protection Unit on the island.

This report follows previous instances where rangers have faced harassment after removing illegal bird trapping sites, leading them to file police reports. The unit continues to advocate for stronger enforcement and protection for those working to combat environmental crime.

The Malta Ranger Unit has reported a tailgating incident in Gozo, which occurred after their members confiscated illegal finch nets. This event follows previous reports of the unit being followed by a vehicle after removing illegal bird trapping sites.

The rangers have filed a police report regarding the incident. They have also reiterated their call for the establishment of a dedicated Environmental Protection Unit specifically for Gozo, to better address and deter illegal activities such as bird trapping.

## The Spin Room

**Low media divide.** The independent outlet provided specific details about the nature of the harassment and the type of nets confiscated, building on previous reports.

## Updates

- **2026-03-23:** The Malta Ranger Unit has filed a police report after its rangers were reportedly stalked in Gozo following the removal of illegal trapping sites.
- **2026-03-24:** The Malta Ranger Unit has reported further details of threatening behaviour after seizing illegal trapping nets in Gozo, reiterating their call for a dedicated police unit.
- **2026-03-24:** The Malta Ranger Unit reported a tailgating incident in Gozo following the confiscation of illegal finch nets, reiterating their call for a dedicated Environmental Protection Unit.

## Sources (3)

- [Times of Malta](https://timesofmalta.com/article/rangers-report-threatening-behaviour-trapping-nets-seized-gozo.1125877)
- [The Malta Independent](https://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2026-03-23/local-news/Malta-Rangers-Unit-report-tailgating-incident-after-finch-net-confiscations-in-Gozo-6736288220)
- [Newsbook](https://newsbook.com.mt/en/confiscation-of-illegal-trapping-nets-sees-rangers-stalked-in-gozo/)

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- [Malta Ranger Unit Petitions Parliament for Gozo Environmental Police](https://filqosor.com/article/2026-03-18/malta-ranger-unit-petitions-parliament-for-gozo-environmental-police) (2026-03-18)

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