Italian customs seize a luxury Rolls Royce Phantom because the interior of the car is covered in crocodile skin. According to Motor1, the Italian authorities are strengthening the implementation of the International Convention for the Protection of Endangered Species.
The Rolls Royce Phantom was ordered from Russia by an Italian customer. The whole body was fine, but when it arrived in Italy, customs officials noticed its features, especially the car seats and accessories were all covered in crocodile skin.
According to investigators, the use of the crocodile skin was not from a Rolls Royce source, but as a custom-made decoration. Authorities have decided to file a lawsuit against the car importers, leading to official penalties. The car owner is required to peel the crocodile skin before he can use the car from the customs agency.
Crocodiles are among the endangered species under the Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. Italy has been among the 160 signatories since 1975.
