The international criminal networks stealing pricey pigeons

60 Minutes has reported on plenty of high-profile crimes before — but nothing like the "fowl play" involving the Columba livia domestica. That's not some international crime syndicate. That's the scientific name for pigeons, and they're being stolen. We're talking about elite racing pigeons. The finest compete at international events in which they are released far from home and must find their way back. As prizes have risen up into the millions, the birds have become targets for what insiders call -- "the pigeon mafia." The Flemish region of Belgium is a land of medieval towers and fine chocolate. It's also home to some of the most sought-after birds on earth. Yup – these guys. What Kentucky is to thoroughbred horses, Belgium is to racing pigeons. and there are few better at breeding a champion than Tom Van Gaver. where some see a bird that looks like it's trying to remember how to breathe, Van Gaver sees an elite athlete with a calculating gaze. Sharyn Alfonsi: What makes this pigeon a great racer? Tom Van Gaver: Yeah, he has everything a good racer need to have. But of course we cannot look in the head. You can have a very smart pigeon, but when the body is not strong enough, his head want to go home. But-- the body cannot follow the others, so.. Van Gaver breeds, sells, and races his pigeons at events around the world such as this. The weight of his dominance can be seen inside his modest home. But in his pigeon loft out back, are his real prizes. …