An international operation targeting environmental crime has led to the arrest of 233 suspects across nine countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. The crackdown focused on organised crime networks involved in deforestation, illegal mining, and wildlife trafficking. Authorities also recovered over 1,000 live animals, including reptiles, rare insects, and exotic birds. The operation highlights the scale and interconnected nature of environmental crimes in the region.
The operation identified around 60,000 hectares of forest that had been illegally cleared. Investigators also recorded 313 seizures, including cyanide, mercury, and ammunition. These substances are commonly associated with illegal mining and can cause severe environmental contamination. The seizures demonstrate the breadth of environmental crimes targeted by the operation.
Wildlife trafficking was a significant aspect of the crackdown, with over 1,000 live animals rescued from criminal networks. Reptiles, including pythons, rare insects, and exotic birds, accounted for a significant proportion of the recovered animals. Authorities also recorded seizures involving big cats and primates, underscoring the range of species targeted by traffickers.
In a major seizure, authorities confiscated about 165 kilograms of dried shark fins, estimated to be worth $280,000 on the illicit market. This highlights the growing links between different forms of environmental crime, including wildlife trafficking, illegal extraction of natural resources, and destruction of protected ecosystems.
INTERPOL issued Red Notices, Blue Notices, and Purple Notices to assist member countries in identifying and arresting individuals linked to the investigated networks. These notices reflect the cross-border nature of the investigation and the difficulty of tackling environmental crime when criminal networks operate across multiple jurisdictions.
Environmental crime encompasses a broad range of illegal activities, including wildlife trafficking, illegal logging, unlawful mining, and destruction of protected ecosystems. Latin America and the Caribbean contain some of the world’s most biologically diverse ecosystems, making them targets for organised criminal groups seeking profits from illegal extraction and trafficking.
The latest operation represents an effort to arrest individual suspects and disrupt the wider criminal networks driving environmental destruction and illegal wildlife trade across national borders. The recovery of live animals and seizures involving various species demonstrate the diversity of species targeted by traffickers. Authorities continue to pursue suspects across borders to combat environmental crime effectively.
Key points
- 233 suspects arrested across nine countries in Latin America and the Caribbean
- Over 1,000 live animals recovered, including reptiles, rare insects, and exotic birds
- 60,000 hectares of illegally cleared forest identified during the operation
