Environmental Crime

Environmental criminals pose a grave threat to our everyday lives, our planet and to future generations. Borders do not restrict environmental crimes, which range from ivory trafficking and overfishing of protected species, to illegal logging and the dumping of hazardous waste.

The same routes used to smuggle wildlife across countries and continents are often used to traffic weapons, drugs and people. Indeed, environmental crime often occurs hand in hand with other offences such as passport fraud, corruption, money laundering and even murder.

Unlike the illegal trade in drugs and other illicit goods, natural resources are finite and cannot be replenished in a lab. As such, there is a sense of urgency to combat environmental crime.

The most serious types of environmental crimes – examples Wildlife crimes

Wild animal traffic is the third most profitable illegal business in the world, surpassed only by drug and arms trafficking. The more rare and endangered the animal, the higher price on the black market it will achieve. Not only are the animals trafficked to be companions to humans, but often they’re sold because of their parts, such as ivory.

Pollution crimes

One of the most severe examples of environmental crime is chemical polluting. It can be done in many different ways, including dumping faecal and toxic waste into water, illicit trade in hazardous waste and even electronic waste mismanagement. All actions that include uncontrollable release of waste into the environment are punishable.

Illegal fishing

Illegal fishing includes any unreported and unregulated fishing in violation of controls set by regional organizations that manage fisheries. What’s worse, often, fishermen capture sharks only to cut off their fins and throw them back into the water, condemning them to slow death.

Illegal mining

Another type of environmental crime includes mining activities that have been carried out without proper permissions, land rights, mining licenses, and permits to explore or transport minerals. The most significant issues with this type of environmental crime can be observed in Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, India, and Nigeria.

1.Combating Wildlife Trafficking

Project Situation

Wildlife trafficking is the third most profitable illegal business globally, surpassed only by drug and arms trafficking. Criminals exploit rare and endangered species for profit, pushing many animals to the brink of extinction. The same routes used for wildlife trafficking are often used for smuggling weapons, drugs, and people, making this a multi-faceted criminal enterprise.

Project Aims

To dismantle wildlife trafficking networks and rescue endangered species.
To disrupt the illegal trade in animal parts, such as ivory and rhino horns.
To strengthen international cooperation and intelligence sharing to combat wildlife crime.

Project Activities

Intelligence-Led Operations: IINTCIPOL conducts targeted operations to identify and dismantle wildlife trafficking networks. This includes monitoring smuggling routes, conducting undercover investigations, and collaborating with customs and border control agencies.
Training and Capacity Building: INTCIPOL provides specialized training to law enforcement officials on identifying and intercepting wildlife trafficking activities. This includes workshops on species identification, evidence collection, and international wildlife laws.
Public Awareness Campaigns: INTCIPOL works with NGOs and local communities to raise awareness about the impact of wildlife trafficking and the importance of protecting endangered species.
Global Collaboration: INTCIPOL partners with organizations like INTERPOL, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and local governments to share intelligence and resources for combating wildlife crime.

2.Tackling Pollution Crimes

Project Situation

Pollution crimes, including the illegal dumping of hazardous waste and chemical pollutants, pose severe risks to public health and the environment. These crimes often involve the illicit trade of electronic waste, toxic chemicals, and untreated sewage, which contaminate water, soil, and air.

Project Aims

To identify and prosecute individuals and organizations involved in pollution crimes.
To prevent the illegal dumping of hazardous waste and chemicals.
To promote sustainable waste management practices and reduce environmental harm.

Project Activities

Monitoring and Enforcement: INTCIPOL works with environmental agencies to monitor industries and waste disposal sites for illegal activities. This includes conducting surprise inspections and using satellite imagery to detect illegal dumping.
Forensic Investigations: INTCIPOL’s forensic experts analyze soil, water, and air samples to trace the source of pollution and gather evidence for prosecution.
International Cooperation: INTCIPOL collaborates with global environmental organizations`1to address cross-border pollution crimes.
Community Engagement: INTCIPOL engages with local communities to educate them about the dangers of pollution crimes and encourage reporting of suspicious activities.

3.Illegal Fishing and Mining

Project Situation

Illegal fishing and mining deplete natural resources, destroy ecosystems, and threaten the livelihoods of local communities. Illegal fishing often involves unreported and unregulated activities, while illegal mining is carried out without proper permits or environmental safeguards.

Project Aims

To disrupt illegal fishing and mining operations worldwide.
To protect marine and terrestrial ecosystems from exploitation.
To promote sustainable practices and legal alternatives for affected communities.

Project Activities

Surveillance and Patrols: INTCIPOL supports maritime patrols and aerial surveillance to detect and intercept illegal fishing vessels. For illegal mining, INTCIPOL works with local authorities to monitor mining sites and enforce regulations.
Technology-Driven Solutions: INTCIPOL uses advanced technologies, such as drones, satellite tracking, and AI-powered analytics, to identify illegal activities in real time.
Capacity Building: INTCIPOL provides training to law enforcement and regulatory agencies on identifying and addressing illegal fishing and mining. This includes workshops on sustainable resource management and legal frameworks.
Community Empowerment: INTCIPOL works with local communities to provide alternative livelihoods and reduce dependence on illegal activities. This includes promoting sustainable fishing and mining practices.