The Malta Ranger Unit has shared footage of a man allegedly trapping finches in Gozo, just four days before the official finch research season is set to begin.According to the Rangers, the individual was spotted wearing a balaclava and reportedly using trapping nets in a remote countryside area at sunrise.The incident allegedly took place during the closed season, with the Rangers reporting the suspected illegal activity to Gozo Police. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lovin Malta (@lovinmalta)However, the organisation claims that just one minute after the report was made, the man received a phone call, hurriedly packed up his equipment and left the area.The Rangers said they had identified the individual and documented him using the nets, while also providing police with information about his vehicle and movements.They further alleged that the Wild Birds Regulation Unit (WBRU) advised officers not to confiscate the nets if they encountered the suspect, as he was no longer at the trapping site.According to the Rangers, the man subsequently drove past a police vehicle before heading into a village, where they believe he concealed evidence in nearby buildings.The organisation criticised what it described as a lack of police training and equipment needed to tackle environmental crime effectively.The Malta Ranger Unit said it has submitted all relevant information to Gozo Police and expects legal action to be taken against the individual.It also expressed concern that the alleged trapped birds may have been moved to a location where authorities would be unable to find them.The allegations concerning the individual and the WBRU have not been independently verified, and no official response from the authorities was included in the Rangers’ account.What do you make of this?Video credits to Malta Rangers Unit•