This is an extract from the Intelligence Briefing on Illegal Wildlife Trafficking by Financial Crime News. To obtain a copy of the Briefing contact FCN directly.
Wildlife Trafficking endangers many species, with particular concern over iconic African mammals, such as the Elephant and the Rhino, but also the Pangolin, which is the most trafficked mammal of all, Gorillas, Big Cats, Reptiles, Birds (like the African Grey Parrot) and wildlife from outside Africa.
Wildlife Trafficking generates significant proceeds from Elephant, Rhino and Pangolin markets.
The Elephant Ivory market is valued at approximately US$240 million to $720, with the Rhino market valued at between US$91 million and $698 million and for Pangolin’s the market is estimated at US$46 million annually.
Wildlife Trafficking in Elephant Ivory, Rhino Horn and Pangolin Meat and Scales is undertaken alongside other crimes, not just those to facilitate the illicit trade like corruption and forgery of documents, and the killing of rangers, and by organised criminal gangs also involved in drugs, arms, goods and human trafficking as well as in some cases links have been drawn to terrorist groups operating in Africa..
Wildlife Trafficking is often carried out using complex combinations of methods that exploit deficiencies in wildlife trade laws, forgery, violence, use of shell companies, and other money laundering techniques, and even cybercrime (specifically the hacking of government websites to obtain or forge permits). Most schemes involve the bribery of corrupt officials to obtain required permits, certificates, and other relevant documents to facilitate international trade, to enable safe passage, or to avoid prosecution and incarceration.
Wildlife Trafficking can be described around 3 phases: activity in source countries, transit and transportation and activities in destination countries.
Wildlife Trafficking is supercharged by demand from Asia, including China and SE Asia including Vietnam, not least due to some longstanding beliefs that ingredients in Traditional Chinese Medicine, have important medicinal properties, particular in the case of Rhino Horn and Pangolin Scales.
To Order the Intelligence Briefing on Illegal Wildlife Trafficking and with Awareness Infographics contact Financial Crime News.
