London: Antiques dealers have been accused of flouting laws to sell banned ivory, despite a campaign led by Prince William.

A study has shown that three-quarters of antiques dealers admit being aware of illegal trading, knowing colleagues or auctioneers who sell modern ivory by passing it off under the guise of still-legal pre-1947 artefacts.

Members of the Action For Elephants group in elephant outfits take part in a demonstration against the ivory trade in London last month. Credit:Getty Images

The evidence is described as "disturbing", with such traders condemned as perpetuating the slaughter of elephants for "purely mercenary motives".

It comes after months of campaigning by the likes of the prince, patron of the charity Tusk, and a British Conservative manifesto committing to a total ban on ivory sales.