Crime Institute
Crime · ModuleRISK · HIGH
Wildlife Crime
Illegal trafficking of protected wildlife, fauna, flora and timber species regulated under CITES.
OVERVIEW
Global picture
USD 23 billion annual global market. Wildlife crime is the 4th largest transnational illicit trade after drugs, arms, and human trafficking.
CURRENT SITUATION
What's happening now
African elephant populations declined 60% in 20 years. Pangolin remains the world's most trafficked mammal. Illegal fishing (IUU) constitutes 20% of global catch.
Annual value
USD 23B
illicit
CITES parties
184
Species listed
38,700+
CITES appendices
Pangolin seizures
195 t
2016-2023
MAJOR ACTORS / NETWORKS
Key organizations
West African ivory ringsSoutheast Asian pangolin syndicatesIUU fishing fleets
MOST AFFECTED
Countries & regions
Central AfricaSouthern AfricaSE AsiaAmazon BasinIndian Ocean
TRENDS
Evolving patterns
Online marketplaces
Convergence with arms and drugs
Fentanyl-poached fishing crews
LEGAL FRAMEWORK
International conventions
- CITES 1973
- US Lacey Act
- EU Wildlife Trade Regulations
- ICCWC framework
PREVENTION
Response strategies
- Community-managed conservancies
- Wildlife financial intelligence
- Port-of-entry canine detection
- Reward-based whistleblower systems
RELATED MODULES