In a landmark joint operation, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), supported by the Wildlife Justice Commission has successfully arrested two major wildlife traffickers in Nigeria. These arrests are linked to the significant seizure of 1.58 tonnes of ivory at Lach Huyen International Port, Hai Phong, Vietnam on 27 March 2024.
Demonstrating the ongoing commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to combat wildlife crime, three suspected wildlife traffickers were apprehended in Nigeria on 4 February 2024, with a fourth arrest made on 6 February 2024. This successful operation was a joint intelligence-led investigation by the NCS and the Wildlife Justice Commission, targeting illicit wildlife supplier networks.
Arrest of four wildlife traffickers in joint operation with Nigeria Customs Service Read more »
Investigations Media releases News
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.
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 Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) announced today that they have arrested eight suspects connected with the trafficking of pangolin scales and ivory from Nigeria.
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.
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.
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.
Assessing wildlife trade on e-commerce sites in China, with a focus on mammoth ivory Read more »
News Publication
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.
Giant clam shells, ivory, and organised crime: Analysis of a potential new nexus Read more »
Fisheries Crime Report News Publication
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.
The Wildlife Justice Commission congratulates the Nigeria Customs Service for this successful operation, the ninth largest pangolin scale seizure in three years.
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.
World Elephant Day: No room for complacency in the fight against ivory trafficking Read more »
News Publication
The Vietnamese Environmental Police successfully arrested a suspect and seized 207 kg of ivory in Hanoi.
Vietnamese Environmental Police seize 207 kg of ivory in Hanoi Read more »
News
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.
Key Findings: Operation Phoenix Read more »
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