Much of the research on wildlife trafficking often centres on countries in the Global South, which are frequently rich in biodiversity. Such research frames these countries as the primary sources of this trafficking, while portraying countries in the Global North as consumers. Although often overlooked, the exploitation of species native to the Global North, exemplified by the case of the European eel, illustrates an intersection of environmental degradation, economic disparities, and the erosion of cultural heritages. Through interviews, observations, and document analysis, we reveal the complex web of power relations and socioeconomic dynamics at play. Central to our analysis is the concept of the “South” as a metaphor for unequal power structures inherent in globalization. This perspective recognizes marginalized populations within affluent countries, where economic disparities create “internal Souths” within the geographic Global North. Consequently, these communities’ traditional ways of life and cultural practices, intricately intertwined with eel fishing, have been increasingly criminalized. The case of the European eel unveils a troubling reality: within the Global North, a “South” exists—one in which social and environmental injustices are exacerbated. Failure to address these disparities runs the risk of perpetuating a cycle of exploitation and marginalization.