Cracking Down: Interpol Operations Lead to Arrest of 70 Suspects for Environmental Crimes
Law enforcement agencies in Nigeria and Latin America have achieved a significant breakthrough in the battle against environmental crime. In two distinct operations conducted by Interpol, a total of 70 individuals have been apprehended for their involvement in illegal mining, mercury trafficking, deforestation, illegal hunting, and forced labour.
The global law enforcement agency issued a statement revealing that environmental crime has become the third most profitable industry for transnational organized crime groups, generating a staggering US$280 billion annually. This criminal activity not only fills the pockets of culprits, but also causes immense harm to communities, economies, and the environment.
Operation Aurum in Nigeria focused on dismantling criminal networks engaged in illegal mining, mercury trafficking, and deforestation. In total, 52 suspects, including 11 high-ranking individuals, were apprehended. Furthermore, law enforcement authorities confiscated 18 trucks loaded with large quantities of unlawfully extracted products. The primary objective of this operation was to address health risks, pollution, forced labour, and violence that have been disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities, including minors coerced into labour in the illegal mining sector.
On the other hand, Operation Black Bay targeted illegal settlements in Alto Paraguay, a region located in the tri-border area of Paraguay, Brazil, and Bolivia, involved in illegal hunting, timber trafficking, and forced labour. This operation also aimed to investigate illegal trafficking routes used for the transportation of timber and wildlife. Out of the 23 suspects arrested, eight were discovered to have connections to an Asian transnational criminal network specialized in global wildlife trafficking.
Notably, the funding for both operations was provided by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as part of their collaboration with the International Initiative of Law Enforcement for Climate (I2LEC).
Stephen Kavanagh, Interpol’s Executive Director of Police Services, emphasized the importance of these operations, highlighting that environmental crime is a highly organized transnational criminal activity that requires a robust and globally coordinated law enforcement response. Furthermore, the partnership with the UAE underscores the escalating threat posed by environmental crime in the era of climate change.
These impactful operations represent a significant achievement in the ongoing battle against environmental crime. With the steadfast dedication of law enforcement agencies and the collaboration of international partners, significant progress is being made to curb the illegal activities causing havoc to ecosystems and communities worldwide.
