The Hague, the Netherlands, 28 September 2023 – 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. Furthermore, it offers unique opportunities to strengthen relationships with partners, stakeholders, and supporters.
The Wildlife Justice Commission has been investigating wildlife crime since its establishment in the Netherlands in 2015. We have worked with our law enforcement partners to facilitate the arrest of major wildlife traffickers and change the operational landscape. Our continuing efforts with law enforcement agencies include the sharing of intelligence reports; the presentation of compelling evidence for use in court; and the reinforcement of law enforcement’s capability to investigate and address wildlife crime and the trafficking of vulnerable marine species through training, mentoring, specialist intelligence and operational support to joint operations. We also work with a broad group of stakeholders, including policy makers, to share our insights into wildlife crime and the criminal activities that facilitate it and promote political will in addressing those most responsible for these crimes.
Earlier this year, the Wildlife Justice Commission stepped up the fight against wildlife crime in Southeast Asia by establishing an in-country presence in Thailand. Having a base in Southeast Asia has allowed us to continue our close cooperation with national law enforcement in Thailand and the Greater Mekong region, particularly by conducting joint investigations, sharing intelligence, and further expanding our capacity-building work. It also allows us to engage more closely with local stakeholders.
The Wildlife Justice Commission is driven by a group of highly skilled professionals ranging from law enforcement experts and investigators, intelligence analysts, lawyers and policy makers. We draw strength from our international character and cultural diversity: the members of the WJC team are from all corners of the globe, with 109 field and office staff hailing from 28 different countries.
Over the past eight years, the Wildlife Justice Commission has achieved tangible results and helped to reduce wildlife crime—altering the dynamic of this serious crime from low-risk with a high reward to high-risk with a low reward. With the help of our dedicated partners, we will continue this trend and end wildlife crime.
For media enquiries, please contact our Public Relations and Media Coordinator, Marianne El Hajj, at: m.elhajj@wildlifejustice.org or Tel/WhatsApp/signal: +31 6 15 67 02 01.