The Global Impact of Organized Crime Groups on Environmental Security
Environmental crime has experienced a significant increase in recent years, with organised crime groups profiting to the sum of USD 280 billion annually. The repercussions of such criminal activities are severe, leading to widespread destabilisation of communities, economies, and the natural environment. In an effort to address this escalating threat, INTERPOL has announced the successful execution of two major operations aimed at combating environmental crime.
Operation Aurum, which occurred across three Nigerian states, targeted illegal mining, mercury trafficking, and the resulting deforestation and ecosystem poisoning. The operation led to the arrest of 52 suspects, including 11 high-level targets, and the seizure of 18 trucks transporting illegally mined products. Notably, the operation shed light on the prevalence of forced child labour in mining sites, further highlighting the exploitative nature of these criminal networks.
Operation Bahia Negra, conducted in the tri-border area of Paraguay, Brazil, and Bolivia, aimed to dismantle illicit settlements engaged in illegal hunting, timber trafficking, and forced labour. This operation resulted in 23 arrests, with an additional six suspects identified. Of particular significance was the apprehension of eight individuals linked to an Asian transnational criminal network involved in global wildlife trafficking. Electronic devices seized during the operation are undergoing forensic investigation, promising to reveal further insights into the criminal activities.
Both operations were made possible through funding from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), highlighting the deepening collaboration between international entities to address environmental crime. In particular, INTERPOL has partnered with the UAE’s International Initiative of Law Enforcement for Climate (I2LEC) to launch a coalition dedicated to combating environmental crime in the face of climate change. As the lead operational arm of I2LEC, INTERPOL is poised to spearhead future efforts to disrupt and dismantle criminal networks involved in environmental crime.
It is clear that the issue of environmental crime poses a significant threat in the era of climate change, demanding a concerted and coordinated response from the global community. The continued efforts of INTERPOL, in collaboration with the UAE’s I2LEC initiative, serve as a beacon of hope in the battle to protect the environment and ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable communities affected by these criminal activities. With their combined expertise and resources, there is genuine potential to make substantial strides in combating environmental crime and securing a more sustainable future for all.
