Illegal wildlife trade a top crime, Interpol warns

The illegal wildlife trade, valued at $20 billion annually, is a major driver of biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse. It threatens countless species, pushing many to the brink of extinction. This illicit activity also fuels armed violence, corruption, and organized crime, further endangering wildlife and human communities worldwide.

In response to the escalating crisis, Interpol launched Operation Thunder, a global operation that has seized significant quantities of illegal wildlife products.

This initiative, along with the UK's Royal Foundation's collaboration with Interpol, demonstrates a growing commitment to combatting wildlife crime. Additionally, several countries have pledged to clamp down on the financial activities that sustain this illicit trade.

With over a million species at risk of extinction due to human activity and half of global GDP under threat from biodiversity loss, urgent and decisive action is essential to curb the illegal wildlife trade. International cooperation, financial tracking, and targeted enforcement are crucial steps in protecting wildlife and safeguarding the natural world.