Background <p>Ectoparasites maintain close associations with their hosts and can complement host genetics data in studies aimed at identifying wildlife trafficking routes, source populations, and whether trafficked individuals are wild-caught or captive-bred. Despite this association, ectoparasites are rarely incorporated into wildlife forensic investigations. Using ticks from Asian seizures of white–bellied pangolin (<i>Phataginus tricuspis</i>) scales, we investigated ectoparasite-host associations by comparing tick genetic diversity to pangolin genetic populations of origin.</p> Results <p>We successfully genotyped 34 tick samples – identified as <i>Amblyomma compressum</i> – from 27 white–bellied pangolin scales, from eight seizures in Hong Kong, all originating from Africa. Tick haplotypes were mapped using estimated geographic coordinates assigned to pangolin scales through SNP-based genotyping, enabling assessment of tick haplotype diversity and distribution across the species’ range. Our study suggests concordance between tick genetic diversity and corresponding pangolin genetic clusters but not purported seizure origins. Ticks exhibited intra-specific variation within and between pangolin genetic clusters, based on the number of haplotypes identified (within pangolin genetic clusters) and observed spatial clustering (between pangolin genetic clusters).</p> Conclusions <p>These findings enhance our understanding of pangolin–tick associations at the population level and demonstrate that ectoparasites from trafficked wildlife can serve as valuable biological tags. When integrated with host population genetics, they provide additional insight into geographic origin and host health, thereby strengthening tools available for conservation and wildlife crime investigations.</p>