The United States today said it has imposed sanctions against a Malaysian group, accusing it of engaging in "the cruel trafficking of endangered and threatened wildlife and the products of brutal poaching."

The Treasury Department said in a statement it designated Malaysian national Teo Boon Ching, the Teo Boon Ching Wildlife Trafficking Transnational Criminal Organisation, and Malaysian company Sunrise Greenland.

Teo Boon Ching specialises in the transportation of rhino horn, ivory, and pangolins from Africa.

It uses routes through Malaysia and Laos to reach customers in Vietnam and China, the Treasury Department statement read.

- Reuters