Munich, 05/04/19 -- Reports say that up to 100 whales are being illegally held in small pens near Nakhodka, Russia. The collection of both orcas (killer whales) and belugas are likely destined for marine parks in China, according to Greenpeace.

French marine scientist, Jean-Michel Cousteau plans to meet with Moscow officials to visit the site on Saturday.

A criminal investigation has been launched as four Russian companies are being accused of animal cruelty and violating fishing regulations.

Satellite image captured on 22 Feb. 2019 at 30 cm resolution showing at least ten whale pens in Srednyaya Bay, Satellite Imagery © 2019 DigitalGlobe, A Maxar Company - provided by European Space Imaging

Some animal experts are concerned that the whales may be showing signs of hypothermia as ice collects around and even inside the small pens. This can be clearly seen in the satellite images.

“Very High Resolution imagery is being utilized internationally by both maritime surveillance agencies and animal rights groups to shed light on illicit fishing operations and aid in legal proceedings,” said European Space Imaging Managing Director, Adrian Zevenbergen. “In these images captured by WorldView-3 in late February, a number of whales can be seen inside the pins, which may provide crucial evidence as international criminal investigations move forward.”

Close up view of whale pens with several visible animals, Satellite Imagery © 2019 DigitalGlobe, A Maxar Company - provided by European Space Imaging

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