In a joint intelligence-led operation with the Wildlife Justice Commission, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Special Wildlife Office and the Enforcement Team has arrested Mr Felix Maiva on 28 September. Mr Maiva was arrested in connection with the January 2021 seizure of illegal wildlife products from Apapa Port, Nigeria, which was bound for Haiphong, Vietnam.
News
The Wildlife Justice Commission expands its global reach and international presence
The Wildlife Justice Commission is pleased to announce that is is expanding its global reach by establishing a presence in the United States of America. This expansion aims to further our mission of disrupting and helping to dismantle the transnational criminal networks trading in wildlife, timber, and fish.
World Rhino Day: Making Headway in the Fight Against Rhino Horn Trafficking
As we approach World Rhino Day tomorrow, I would like to highlight the threat to rhinos from transnational organised criminal networks and to recognise the progress that has been made in the fight against rhino horn trafficking over the past few years. While rhinos still face a number of threats, there is hope on the horizon.
The Wildlife Justice Commission congratulates USFWS following the conviction of major wildlife trafficker Teo Boon Ching
Teo Boon Ching, one of the largest wildlife traffickers operating across the world, has been convicted of wildlife trafficking in the United States District Court, Southern District of New York, and sentenced to 18 months of imprisonment.
The BBC reveals the story of how the WJC outwitted and closed in on wildlife traffickers in Nigeria
Today, the BBC has published a special report highlighting the work of the Wildlife Justice Commission in Nigeria and the successes it has achieved in disrupting the trafficking of wildlife from the country, in partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). The report features an interview with the Wildlife Justice Commission’s Director of Programs Steve Carmody and Van, one of our female undercovers.
Three Vietnamese and one Guinean charged with wildlife trafficking in Nigeria convicted and sentenced to six years imprisonment or fine payments
On Wednesday 19 July, the trial of three Vietnamese and one Guinean national accused of trafficking 7.1 tonnes of pangolin scales and 850 kgs of ivory concluded in Nigeria with the conviction of the four accused. The judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria in Lagos sentenced the accused to six years of imprisonment each or payment of fines in lieu of imprisonment.
The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission targets an international pangolin scale trafficking syndicate and corrupt law enforcement with the support of the Wildlife Justice Commission
Last week, in Port Klang, Malaysia, the Wildlife Justice Commission supported the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in an operation targeting corrupt customs and other members of an international wildlife trafficking network with the support of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Thailand.
New report sheds light on the key role of corruption in enabling wildlife crime
Since the creation of the Wildlife Justice Commission in 2015, a constant that has been observed in all intelligence-led investigations into wildlife trafficking across the globe is the role of corruption in enabling this form of organised crime. Corruption is the air that wildlife crime breathes; it is one of the key enablers of widespread and large-scale wildlife trafficking and one of the biggest obstacles to effective law enforcement.
The Wildlife Justice Commission welcomes 3 new funding partners for our mission of fighting transnational organised wildlife crime
We are excited to announce three new partnerships with respected funders, who share the Wildlife Justice Commission’s vision of a world without wildlife crime. Joining our list of partners are the UK Government, through the Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund, the Swedish Postcode Foundation, and the Robert H.N. Ho Family Foundation Global.
The WJC concludes training to wildlife and forestry officers in Malaysia to intensify efforts in the fight against cyber-enabled wildlife trade
The Wildlife Justice Commission delivered the last of three targeted capacity-building courses, focusing on strengthening intelligence gathering and cybercrime investigations to the Sabah Wildlife Department and Sabah Forestry Departments in Malaysia.
The Wildlife Justice Commission steps up the fight against wildlife crime in Southeast Asia
To mark the registration and in-country presence of the Wildlife Justice Commission in Thailand, we hosted, today, a launch event at the Residence of the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Thailand in Bangkok.
CCPCJ Panel discussion promotes the use of joint investigations and special investigative techniques to address environmental crime
The Wildlife Justice Commission organised a hybrid event, focusing on promoting the effective use of the provisions under the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) and United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) on joint investigations and special investigative techniques to address environmental crimes and the corruption that enables them, on the sidelines of the 32nd Session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ).
The Wildlife Justice Commission publishes 2022 Annual Report
2022 was our most successful year since our founding in 2015. Our intelligence-led approach allowed us to secure major arrests in, amongst others, Nigeria, Mozambique and Thailand, to deepen our understanding of the criminal dynamics, and to share our expertise with law enforcement, policy makers, and practitioners across the globe.
Reflecting on 8 years of the Wildlife Justice Commission
This month marks our 8th anniversary. A good moment to reflect on how it all started in 2015: five staff members, one donor, two cases and an ambitious strategy to hold governments accountable for failing to address wildlife crime occurring in their own countries, through the mechanism of a Public Hearing in the City of Peace and Justice, The Hague.
Advocating for stronger anti-corruption frameworks to protect the environment and wildlife at the 20th IACC
Corruption is a key enabler of environmental crime, including wildlife crime, and the Wildlife Justice Commission is committed to promoting solutions to tackle corruption. We were present at the 20th International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC) in Washington DC and organised a workshop on behalf of the UNCAC Coalition’s Environmental Crime and Corruption Working Group.
Winning big against wildlife crime in 2022
As the Covid-19 pandemic slowly subsided and borders opened this year, criminal networks went back to business as usual, resulting in an increase in poaching and trafficking of wildlife and as a result, an increase of seizures. In response, the Wildlife Justice Commission stepped up its fight against transnational organised wildlife crime.
Speaking for Wildlife Justice at CITES CoP19
The chance to afford greater protection to nearly six hundred species of wildlife was the focus of this year’s CITES CoP19 (Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora at the nineteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties), which took place in Panama this month.
New report on tiger farms: How organised crime exploits captive tiger facilities
Over the last century, the wild tiger population has fallen to alarmingly low levels. While tigers are adversely affected by climate change, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict, the illegal tiger trade is believed to be the most imminent threat.
Where does the fight against wildlife crime need to go next?
I was honoured to be invited to share reflections on the fight against wildlife crime at the recent United for Wildlife Global Summit in my capacity as the Executive Director of the Wildlife Justice Commission and I would like to take the opportunity to share those reflections also in this blog.
Global threat assessment on rhino horn trafficking offers unique insight into the criminal dynamics of the illegal trade – and how to fight it
The Wildlife Justice Commission published a new threat assessment, on the current state of rhino horn trafficking and efforts to fight it over the past decade: 'Rhino horn trafficking as a form of transnational organised crime (2012–2021): 2022 Global Threat Assessment.'
Wildlife Kingpin: The rise and fall of Ah Nam
From the Wildlife Justice Commission comes the first-ever in-depth analysis of a real-life investigation into the dark underbelly of wildlife crime. Our new original podcast series: “Wildlife kingpin: the rise and fall of Ah Nam”, follows a team of investigators on the hunt for one of Asia’s biggest traffickers of elephant and rhino products.
Ah Nam: The Downfall of Vietnam’s Wolf of Wall Street
The Wildlife Justice Commission has published a report on the rise and fall of one of Vietnam’s biggest wildlife traffickers. Nguyen Van Nam, referred to in the report as Ah Nam, was the focus of a Wildlife Justice Commission investigation from 2016 until 2019.
World Rhino Day 2022: Putting rhinos back on the radar
Law enforcement agencies globally must address rhino horn trafficking as a form of transnational organised crime along with an increased focus on the higher level actors in the rhino horn supply chain. This was the key message that emerged from a joint webinar hosted by WWF South Africa and the Wildlife Justice Commission to mark World Rhino Day 2022.
The world of marine criminal justice – on land and at sea
I recently had the honour of speaking at the United Nations Ocean Conference in Lisbon in my capacity as the Executive Director of the Wildlife Justice Commission – specifically on Sustainable Development Goal 14.
Supporting intelligence-led wildlife crime investigations in South Africa and Mozambique with USAID
In June and July 2022, the Wildlife Justice Commission conducted four tailored training courses for law enforcement agencies in Mozambique and South Africa.
The Illicit Wildlife Trade: Developments, Responses, and Lessons Learned to Support SDG 15
The Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC) joined the Wildlife Justice Commission in co-organising a session about innovative responses that target different stages in international trafficking flows.
Nigerian authorities arrest 8 suspects from major network trafficking pangolin scales and ivory
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announced today that they have arrested eight suspects connected with the trafficking of pangolin scales and ivory from Nigeria.
Arrest of Major rhino poaching trafficker in Mozambique
On 27 July 2022, the Wildlife Justice Commission provided support to the Serviço Nacional de Investigação Criminal (SERNIC) during the arrest of a well-known rhino horn trafficker, Simon Valoyi, also known as Navara. The Wildlife Justice Commission acknowledges the outstanding work of SERNIC in bringing this suspect to justice.
Protecting endangered marine species and conserving our oceans: discussing the criminal justice approach
The Wildlife Justice Commission, together with Sri Lanka, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and United Nations Ocean Decade co-organised a side event on 29 June on “Crime, corruption, and environment: a criminal justice approach for ocean action and achieving SDG 14”.
The Wildlife Justice Commission publishes its 2021 Annual Report
In 2021, the Wildlife Justice Commission sent a strong message that the risk/reward ratio for wildlife crime is changing by facilitating the arrests of 32 high-level wildlife trafficking suspects and seizure of one of the largest seizures of pangolin scales since 2019.
Prosecutors and forestry officials in Lao PDR receive training to step up the fight against wildlife crime
To strengthen the legal approach to wildlife crime in the Golden Triangle Region, the Wildlife Justice Commission, in collaboration with WWF, provided a training to local prosecutors and forestry officials in Lao PDR to improve their knowledge base and introduce them to a set of techniques that would allow for more efficient prosecution of wildlife crime.
CCPCJ Panel discussion on the convergence of environmental crimes: recommendations and takeaways
The past few decades, we have not only witnessed a rise in environmental crime, but also its convergence with other forms of organised crime like the trafficking of humans, drugs and firearms. These facts set the starting point of a panel discussion held during the 31st session of the CCPCJ.
Wildlife Justice Commission Executive Director Olivia Swaak-Goldman addresses the CCPCJ 31st Session on tackling environmental crimes
On 19 May 2022, Olivia Swaak-Goldman, Executive Director of the Wildlife Justice Commission, took the floor during the plenary of the 31st Session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPJC), which is taking place this week (16-20 May) in Vienna.
New arrest in Thailand marks another success for the Wildlife Justice Commission and the Royal Thai Police
On 26 April 2022, the Wildlife Justice Commission’s successful operations in Thailand continued with the arrest of a man suspected of trafficking live pangolins and other protected wildlife in the Yala province, in south Thailand, and the seizure of a live pangolin.
Three suspected senior wildlife traffickers arrested in Royal Thai Police and Wildlife Justice Commission joint operation
A joint investigation conducted by officers of the Royal Thai Police and the Wildlife Justice Commission resulted in the arrest of three men suspected of involvement in a big cats trafficking network in Thailand and the Greater Mekong Region.
Wildlife Justice Commission has received core funding from Oak Foundation to continue its work to protect elephants, rhinos and pangolins
Oak Foundation has awarded the Wildlife Justice Commission a grant of EUR 1,260,000 to support its mission in the coming 3 years, to disrupt and help dismantle the criminal networks that profit from the trafficking of wildlife.
Wildlife Justice Commission and International Anti-Corruption Academy webinar series highlights corruption as main enabler for environmental crime
To effectively disrupt and dismantle organised environmental crime, it is important to target the systemic corruption enabling it. This was the main conclusion of a recent three-part webinar series, organised by the Wildlife Justice Commission and the International Anti-Corruption Academy.
Podcast: Combating international wildlife trafficking and other environmental crime
Organised wildlife crime rakes in billions of dollars in revenue each year. To raise awareness of the pressing need for governments to address these crimes, Olivia Swaak-Goldman appeared the Financial Crime Matters podcast by ACAMS.
CCPCJ side event: Addressing illicit financial flows derived from crimes that affect the environment
Financial motives drive organised environmental crimes. To help law enforcement agencies 'follow the money', the Wildlife Justice Commission will co-host an online panel discussion with France, titled ‘Addressing illicit financial flows derived from crimes that affect the environment: Good practices and challenges.’
Joint operation with Nigeria Customs Service leads to four arrests, seizure of 839.40 kg of pangolin scales and 145 kg of elephant ivory
Acting on local intelligence, the Nigeria Customs Service conducted an operation in Awoyaya on 2 February 2022, arresting four suspects and seizing 839.40 kilograms of pangolin scales and 145 kilograms of elephant ivory.
A blueprint for success: What it takes to bring down a global ivory trafficking network
The Wildlife Justice Commission released a new report on China’s largest ivory smuggling case, detailing the inner workings of a wildlife crime syndicate and what it took to bring it down. Discover the complexity of transnational organised crime and learn useful insights for law enforcement.
Prosecutors in Greater Mekong train to strengthen their fight against wildlife crime
To strengthen their legal approach to wildlife crime in the notorious Golden Triangle Region, the Wildlife Justice Commission is collaborating with WWF to provide judicial training for local prosecutors.
Winning big against wildlife crime in 2021
As an organisation, 2021 was our most successful year since our founding in 2015. Much of our efforts in previous years came to fruition, and we played a crucial role in major arrests in Thailand and Nigeria.
Presenting the case for tackling corruption and environmental crime at the 9th CoSP to UNCAC
The Wildlife Justice Commission has launched a new briefing paper about China’s largest ever ivory trafficking case and is hosting a side event - Tackling corruption linked to environmental crime - with Belgium, France, and the UNODC at the upcoming CoSP to UNCAC to discuss its findings.
TEDx talk: Can criminal intelligence save the pangolin from extinction?
Our Director of Intelligence, Sarah Stoner, recently spoke at TEDxVitosha about the trafficking of pangolins, organised wildlife crime, and the role of intelligence analysis.
Assessing wildlife trade on e-commerce sites in China, with a focus on mammoth ivory
The Wildlife Justice Commission is concerned by the sheer amount of mammoth ivory products for sale on Chinese e-commerce sites. Mammoth ivory may perpetuate the demand for elephant ivory. More research is needed to understand the supply chain.
The Wildlife Justice Commission partners with Arcadia to disrupt and dismantle transnational wildlife crime
Arcadia has awarded the Wildlife Justice Commission a grant of EUR 1,000,000 to support its core operations in the coming five years, bolstering its mission to disrupt and help dismantle the transnational criminal networks trading in wildlife, timber, and fish.
Giant clam shells, ivory, and organised crime: Analysis of a potential new nexus
Giant clam shell seizures in the Philippines have risen sharply in both frequency and volume over the past three years. The scale of these seizures points towards the involvement of organised crime. Our latest report takes a closer look at the evolving dynamics of the giant clam shell trade.
New joint operation with Nigeria Customs Service: two suspected high-level wildlife traffickers arrested, 1 tonne of pangolin scales seized
This new operation follows up on the one effected last July into the criminal network believed to be responsible for more than 50% of the major global ivory and pangolin seizures between 2018-2021.
Panel discussion: Understanding the nexus between Environmental Crime and Corruption
Environmental crimes facilitated by corruption have far-reaching impacts on society. The Wildlife Justice Commission and the International Anti-Corruption Academy will host a series of panel discussions to build greater understanding of this nexus and how to effectively address it.
The Wildlife Justice Commission appoints new Board Chair, Susi Zijderveld
The Wildlife Justice Commission has announced the appointment of Susi Zijderveld as new Chair of the organisation’s Supervisory Board, effective on 10 September 2021.
Wildlife Justice Commission at IUCN Congress: protecting ocean ecosystems with intelligence analysis
During a presentation at the IUCN World Conservation Congress, the Wildlife Justice Commission championed the use of an intelligence-led approach to combat fisheries crime and protect marine biodiversity.
Joint operation with Nigeria Customs Service leads to three arrests, seizure of 7.1 tonnes of pangolin scales and 870 kg of ivory
The Wildlife Justice Commission congratulates the Nigeria Customs Service for this successful operation, the ninth largest pangolin scale seizure in three years.
Using intelligence analysis to save tigers in Southeast Asia
Tigers in Southeast Asia are endangered; intelligence analysis of crime convergence is a vital tool to safeguard them.
Multi-disciplinary operation by the South African Police Service leads to the arrest of suspected rhino horn traffickers
The Wildlife Justice Commission congratulates the SAPS on this successful operation in South Africa.
Expert discussion on crime convergence
The Wildlife Justice Commission was joined on 17 June by a panel of experts for a high-level online discussion: Crime convergence: intelligent approaches to organised crime.
Addressing corruption-enabled environmental crime at UNGASS 2021
The Wildlife Justice Commission recently participated in an official UNGASS 2021 online side event, Leveraging the best tools to address environmental crime enabled by corruption.
Webinar on Crime Convergence: Intelligent Approaches to Organised Crime
Join our panel of experts on 17 June for a discussion about the convergence of wildlife crime with other forms of organised crime.
Convergence of wildlife crime with other forms of organised crime
The Wildlife Justice Commission’s new report demonstrates that wildlife crime is a cross-cutting criminal activity which cannot be tackled in isolation from other crimes.
Dutch Postcode Lottery new grant to the Wildlife Justice Commission
EUR 1.9 million granted to build and strengthen intelligence capacity to fight wildlife crime in protected areas of Southeast Asia.
Prioritising wildlife crime at the 14th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice
At the 14th UN Crime Congress, the Wildlife Justice Commission will highlight the urgency to tackle wildlife trafficking as what it is: transnational organised crime.
Joint operation with Thai and US law enforcement agencies leads to the arrest of suspected high-level wildlife trafficker
The Wildlife Justice Commission congratulates the Royal Thai Police and the USFWS on the arrest of a suspected high-level wildlife trafficker in Bangkok.
World Pangolin Day 2021: The continuing threat of pangolin trafficking
In 2020, Wildlife Justice Commission investigators were offered staggering quantities of pangolin scales, raising concerns about a post-COVID19 surge in trafficking.
2020 Highlights at the Wildlife Justice Commission
In 2020, the Wildlife Justice Commission adapted quickly to COVID-19 restrictions to continue disrupting criminal networks, bridging the intelligence gap, growing our influence, and strengthening alliances.
Wildlife crime: the soft underbelly of organised crime
Wildlife crime is believed to intersect with other transnational organised crimes. Our webinar with UNODC and our new briefing paper expose how intelligence analysis can lead to a greater understanding of this crime convergence.
Join our webinar “Wildlife crime: The soft underbelly of organised crime”
Register here to join our high-level online event on 16 October 2020 at 10h00 CEST.
World Elephant Day: No room for complacency in the fight against ivory trafficking
Data from our investigations indicates a declining trend in the value of raw ivory since 2017 while trafficking persists, with criminal networks able to smuggle large quantities despite COVID-19 restrictions.
Investigation by the Wildlife Justice Commission reveals the displacement of ivory
International cooperation is needed to drive an intelligence-led law enforcement approach to deter the trafficking of ivory across the region, says the organisation
Our new investigation reveals the geographical shift of ivory trafficking within Southeast Asia
Findings of our Operation Jeopardy expose the need for international and intelligence-led law enforcement cooperation to deter the trafficking of ivory across the region.
Using intelligence to tackle the criminal elements of the illegal trade of Indian Star tortoises in Asia
New paper by the Wildlife Justice Commission and Monitor on the role of intelligence to address the high-volume trafficking of the vulnerable Indian Star tortoise.
Measures to curb COVID-19 impact wildlife trafficking but organised criminal networks are still active and gearing up to increase operations, says new report
The Wildlife Justice Commission has released today an assessment on the impact that global measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 are having on wildlife trafficking dynamics.
New analysis: Measures to combat COVID-19 impact wildlife trafficking but criminal networks are gearing up to increase operations
Our new analysis Rapid assessment of the impact of COVID-19 on wildlife trafficking highlights that wildlife trafficking continues despite global travel restrictions and lockdown measures.
Measures we have taken regarding COVID-19
Following guidelines from Dutch authorities, we at the Wildlife Justice Commission have implemented a series of measures to protect our staff and contribute to the protection of others.
The Wildlife Justice Commission welcomes announcement by Chinese government to toughen wildlife protection laws
We hope that other governments recognise the importance of this legislative change and urge them to address wildlife crime as a serious organised crime.
New report analyses unprecedented levels of pangolin trafficking, urging stakeholders to tackle it as transnational crime
Our new criminal intelligence analysis Scaling Up: The Rapid Growth in the Industrial Scale Trafficking of Pangolin Scales (2016-2019) has been published today on the run up to World Pangolin Day.
The trafficking of pangolin scales must be tackled as a transnational organised crime, says new report
The Wildlife Justice Commission has released today, on the run up to Pangolin Day, the report Scaling Up: The Rapid Growth in the Trafficking of Pangolin Scales (2016-2019).
The Pangolin Crisis Fund and the Wildlife Justice Commission join forces to fight pangolin trafficking
The Pangolin Crisis Fund has issued a grant to the Wildlife Justice Commission in support of our investigations into the trafficking of pangolin scales.
Analysis: Current data shows significant changes in dynamics of ivory trafficking
Using the most up-to-date data, our Ivory Snapshot Analysis shows changes in the criminal dynamics of the transnational trafficking of ivory.
Vietnamese Environmental Police seize 207 kg of ivory in Hanoi
The Vietnamese Environmental Police successfully arrested a suspect and seized 207 kg of ivory in Hanoi.
Listen to our podcast! Women against wildlife crime
To mark International Women's Day, we are launching our first podcast with testimonies of women working to put an end to wildlife crime.
Building anti-corruption measures into IWT interventions: Event at the UN HQ
Debate on practical measures to address wildlife crime and the corruption that enables it at our event at the UN Headquarters.
The Dutch Postcode Lottery grants the Wildlife Justice Commission permanent beneficiary status
A big thank you to the Dutch Postcode Lottery for granting the Wildlife Justice Commission with permanent beneficiary status and a EUR 500,000 donation.
No rest for pangolins: Trafficking rates spike while crime displaces to new regions
Commonly referred to as the most trafficked mammal in the world, the plight of the pangolin looks bleak.
Annual Meeting with our Partners
On 17 January, we convened our annual event for our partners in Amsterdam to update them on our current developments and plans for the near future.
Operation Dragon: New evidence of the scale of corruption in the illegal turtle and tortoise trade in Southeast Asia
The report details our Operation Dragon, a 2-year investigation (2016-2018) into the multi-million-dollar illegal trade of endangered reptile species in South and Southeast Asia and the scale of the corruption that enables it.
The Wildlife Justice Commission mourns the loss of Wim Kok
We were honoured and privileged to have him as a member of our Council, which he joined in February 2017.
Watch Rhino Dollars online at ARTE.tv
An accurate view on the global trafficking of rhino horn. You can now watch Rhino Dollars online here.
Panel discussion on corruption and illegal wildlife trade at the London IWT Conference
Corruption is not tangential to Illegal Wildlife Trade but is a key facilitator of this organised crime...
Briefing paper: The prevalence of vulnerable South Asian freshwater turtles in the illegal trade
This briefing paper summarises the data collected by the WJC during Operation Dragon (2016-2018) and subsequent analysis, aiming at directing further research to assess the extent to which these species are in demand globally.
Briefing Paper: A Preliminary Analysis of Raw Rhino Horn Prices in Africa and Asia
This briefing paper provides an analysis of the price data of raw rhino horn in Africa and Asia, obtained until July 2018.
Corruption and illegal wildlife trade: how to tackle it
Event and Panel Discussion at the Illegal Wildlife Trade Conference: London 2018.
The Wildlife Justice Commission provides training and equipment to the Kenya Wildlife Service
Future plans also include providing crime scene investigation, both advanced and one-day courses, which are crucial for first responders who are often first at the crime scene.
The Wildlife Justice Commission and National Whistleblower Center form partnership
The two organisations have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a framework for cooperation, develop joint endeavours and exchange information with regards to transnational wildlife crime.
The Kenya Wildlife Service and the WJC join forces against wildlife crime
We are very excited to announce that the WJC and the Kenya Wildlife Service have signed this week a Memorandum of Understanding establishing a joint project that seeks to effectively contribute to the dismantling and disrupting of transnational organised wildlife crime networks operating in Kenya.
Strathmore University and the Wildlife Justice Commission to partner on research and training programmes
We are delighted to announce our new partnership with leading Strathmore University of Kenya that establishes a mutual collaboration in the areas of research and training.
World Wildlife Day 2018 – Big Cats: Predators under threat
This year’s theme ‘Big Cats: Predators under threat’ is dedicated to celebrating the diversity of big cats and raise awareness on the threats to their survival. All big cats are precious and irreplaceable...
World Pangolin Day 2018
Solitary, shy, elusive and nocturnal, pangolins are rarely observed in the wild to the point that their population estimates are not clear, although conservationists do know that it is rapidly declining.
Workshop: Dismantling and disrupting criminal networks illegally trading in endangered wildlife
We are thrilled to announce that we are organising a one-day workshop Dismantling and disrupting criminal networks illegally trading in endangered wildlife at the General Police Equipment Exhibition and Conference (GPEC) on 21 February 2018.
Identifying ebony species in music instruments to distinguish illegally traded from legally traded wood
The overall aim is to identify and date ebony species used in acoustic string instruments to distinguish illegally traded from legally traded wood.
Key Findings: Operation Phoenix
The document presents the key findings or our 18-months investigation into the village of Nhi Khe, Viet Nam. It also discusses the outcome of efforts we undertook to establish a dialogue with the governments of Viet Nam and China and outlines the steps we took on the path of activating justice against the criminal network that our team identified.
The Wildlife Justice Commission delivers new Case File to the government of Vietnam regarding a professional criminal network trading in more than USD 15 million worth of high-value wildlife products
One year after the WJC’s Public Hearing, it provides the Vietnamese government concrete evidence to collaboratively counter wildlife crime and notes progress in implementing Public Hearing recommendations.
World Rhino Day
It is not looking good for Rhinoceros. It is calculated that over 500,000 of these gentle giants roamed in the wild across Africa and Asia at the beginning of the 20th century.
Case study – Black Business: Illegal Rhino Horn Trade Dynamics in Nhi Khe, Vietnam
This case study describes the dynamics of rhino horn trafficking in Nhi Khe (Vietnam) and the fluctuations of the value of raw rhino horn presented to our undercover operatives during the course of our field investigations.
The Wildlife Justice Commission wins 2017 NRC Charity Award
The Wildlife Justice Commission has been selected as one of the four winners of this year’s edition of the NRC Charity Awards.
The Wildlife Justice Commission concerned about the consequences of the rhino horn auction in South Africa
The Wildlife Justice Commission is extremely concerned about the possible consequences of the private rhino horn auction that it is taking place in South Africa this week, organised by South African rhino breeders, as it will likely fuel the demand for rhino horn in Asia.
World Elephant Day
Distinctive, intelligent and sensitive, socially complex and so powerful but yet so kind, elephants are part of our global heritage.
International Tiger Day
It’s International Tiger Day! The magnificent, mighty and powerful tiger is admired for its beauty, elegance and boldness.
The Wildlife Justice Commission delivers a Case File to the government of Lao PDR regarding a highly profitable wildlife criminal network
The Wildlife Justice Commission has presented the authorities of Lao PDR with a Case File regarding the open trade in endangered wildlife products.
A collaboration between Education for Nature – Vietnam, the National Environmental Police and WJC resulted in one arrest and the seizure of eighteen rhino horn
A key breakthrough occurred on 26 May, when the WJC received a tip identifying the location of a large stash of rhino horns in Hanoi.
International Turtle Day
A day to celebrate turtles – both freshwater and marine species – and tortoises, raise awareness about the endangered species and encourage action to be taken to preserve them.
International Endangered Species Day
Wildlife crime is happening globally, on an industrial scale. It is not only iconic species which are affected.
A WJC investigation targeting transnational reptile smugglers resulted in a successful coordinated operation between the WJC, the Wildlife Crime and Control Bureau of India and Malaysia’s Perhilitan police
This operation involved the sharing of intelligence between agencies and a coordinated investigative effort to identify a suspected wildlife trafficker Fakharuddin Ali Ahamed Habeeb.
Adjustment of the Rules of Procedure
The adjustment process has resulted in a slimmed down procedure that covers the essence of our work while ensuring that fundamental principles are maintained.
Two of the four individuals arrested following the August 2016 collaboration between the WJC and Malaysia’s Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) prosecuted and sentenced
"We are very pleased to have another successful collaboration with Prehilitan leading to seizures, arrests and convictions."
Europol and Wildlife Justice Commission team up against environmental crime
The agreement was signed by Europol’s Director Rob Wainwright and the Executive Director of the WJC Olivia Swaak-Goldman.
World Wildlife Day 2017 – Listen to the Young Voices
On this special day, we would like to introduce you to the hardworking and passionate youth working at the Wildlife Justice Commission.
International Anti-Corruption Day – 9 December 2016
Wildlife crimes is a very lucrative business...
Vietnam Public Hearing: Suggested recommendations from the audience and around the world
The WJC would like to thank everyone in the audience and around the world for bringing forward the below suggestions to address the issue of illegal wildlife trade in Viet Nam and more generally.
Governments urged to support Vietnam in implementing Public Hearing recommendations
Last week, on 17 and 18 November 2016, the government of Viet Nam hosted the international Hanoi Conference on Illegal Wildlife Trade.