US EditionInterpol-led crackdown on environmental crime leads to 225 arrests in Latin America
The operation led to 225 arrests and uncovered over 400 environmental crime cases, revealing transnational trafficking routes impacting ecosystems and climate resilience.
- On Friday, Interpol announced a two-month operation across nine Latin American countries that yielded 225 arrests and hundreds of new investigations, assisted by Interpol's environmental security unit.
- Part of Project GAIA, the operation involved police from Colombia, Mexico and Costa Rica and targeted networks exploiting natural resources; rosewood can fetch up to $6,000 per cubic meter on the black market, driving destruction, Interpol said.
- Authorities reported 203 forestry-related crimes, 138 wildlife offenses, and seizures included live animals, 2.4 tons of shark and ray fins, nearly 1,930 pounds of totoaba, 15 pounds of dried sea cucumber, plus timber, weapons, vehicles, and boats.
- Investigators exposed trafficking routes extending to Europe and Asia, uncovering illegal gold mining in Panama involving child labour and human trafficking, with a final report due in late November.
- Interpol said the seizures highlight ongoing exploitation for international markets, and Oscar Soria, chief executive of the Common Initiative, urged stronger governance and regional coordination in recent years.
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Investigators have arrested 225 suspects in an operation with German funding. They are accused of, among other things, deforestation and human trafficking.
Operation Madre Tierra VII Cracks Down on Environmental Crime in Latin America
A two-month multinational police operation in nine Latin American countries led to 225 arrests over environmental crimes like illegal logging, wildlife trafficking, and gold mining. Interpol's coordinated effort uncovered organized criminal networks engaged in exploiting protected species, revealing transnational routes reaching Europe and Asia.
Associated Press News
Interpol-led crackdown on environmental crime leads to 225 arrests in Latin America
An Interpol-led operation spanning nine Latin American countries has led to 225 arrests and hundreds of new investigations into illegal logging, wildlife trafficking and gold mining.
A two-month multinational police operation covering nine Latin American countries resulted in 225 arrests for environmental crimes and hundreds of new investigations into illegal logging, wildlife trafficking and gold mining, the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) reported on Friday.
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