The Wildlife Justice Commission’s new documentary Seizure has drawn significant global attention following its premiere on 9 December on the Wildlife Justice YouTube channel. The award-winning short film provides a rare look into the inner workings of transnational organised crime networks involved in the trafficking of endangered species – one of the largest and most profitable forms of transnational organised crime.
Seizure tells the story of an actual Wildlife Justice investigation into a criminal network selling the scales of pangolins, one of the world’s most trafficked mammals. What begins as a single intelligence lead unfolds into a coordinated, multi-country operation, revealing the supply chains, financial flows, and high-level actors behind this billion-dollar illegal trade.
“Seizure offers a rare window into how Wildlife Justice exposes and disrupts the criminal networks driving wildlife trafficking,” said Olivia Swaak-Goldman, Executive Director of the Wildlife Justice Commission. “The strong engagement with the film underscores the urgency of treating wildlife trafficking as serious organised crime, and we are deeply grateful to everyone — from viewers to partners and donors — who supports our work to bring these criminal networks to justice.”
She added: “Wildlife trafficking remains one of the most urgent threats to biodiversity today, driving extinction, corruption, and the growth of transnational criminal networks. Seizure shows why a strong criminal justice response is essential — dismantling networks, following the money, and empowering law enforcement. Our efforts continue to deliver meaningful impact where it matters most.”
In addition to its record-breaking viewership, Seizure has been recognised internationally, winning:
- Best Short Documentary – Swedish International Film Festival
- Best Short Documentary – Activists without Borders Film Festival
- Best Documentary – New Media Film Festival
Made possible through the generous support of the Dutch Postcode Lottery and its players, Seizure will continue to be available on the Wildlife Justice YouTube channel to raise awareness of the urgent need to combat wildlife trafficking as a serious organised crime threat.
