Criminal Elements: Illegal Wildlife Trafficking, Organized Crime, and National Security

Dec 6, 2017 | Wilson Center
Washington, DC
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Environmental crime is now the world’s fourth largest crime sector, estimated by UN Environment and Interpol to be worth more than $250 billion each year. Transnational criminal networks — drug cartels, money launderers and terrorist groups — are trafficking high-value natural resources, including illegal wildlife, in dramatically increasing numbers.

The policy tools to confront this problem are growing: illegal wildlife trafficking was included in President Trump’s Executive Order calling for enforcement of federal law on transnational criminal organizations and international trafficking. A recently released State Department report required by the bipartisan END Wildlife Trafficking Act identifies countries of focus and concern. New sensing and data technologies, too, are supporting more accurate tracking and enforcement. But some caution that a focus on enforcement could overlook the complex drivers of the trade, and call for a more holistic approach to protecting wildlife and human security.

Panelists will discuss how new policy, program, and technological tools can help reduce the threats that illegal wildlife trafficking poses to vulnerable communities and to our national security.

For more information on the panel and how to RSVP, please visit the site linked above. 

Organizers: The Wilson Center

When: December 6 2017