Wildlife crime: closing ranks on serious crime in the illegal animal trade
Channel: INTERPOL
Date: 2020-12-21

Wildlife crime has far-reaching and devastating consequences for society, public health and global economics. Often overlooked and under-prosecuted, it is a sophisticated serious crime with high demand driving high prices and violence. 

The profile of the wildlife criminal has changed.  Today they are organized, innovative, well connected, and run global syndicates that commission the mass slaughter and capture of protected species in all parts of the world.  

These criminals import and export endangered species for international trade via the same routes they use to smuggle weapon, drugs and other illicit goods.   The international characteristics of these crimes and their links with organized crime make the role of police cooperation across borders fundamental to tackling wildlife crime.   

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