Why does wildlife trafficking receive far less attention than other forms of organized crime, despite generating billions of dollars in illicit profits and threatening vulnerable species worldwide?

In this interview, the speaker explores the challenges facing efforts to combat wildlife crime, arguing that one of the greatest obstacles is the widespread perception that environmental crimes are “victimless.” The discussion examines how wildlife trafficking networks operate across international supply chains, why financial institutions and investigators often struggle to identify relevant criminal indicators, and how a deeper understanding of crime typologies can improve enforcement efforts.

The interview also highlights the importance of collaboration, information sharing, and rapid coordination among governments, law enforcement agencies, financial institutions, and civil society organizations. Drawing on examples from major wildlife trafficking corridors, the speaker outlines a practical framework for strengthening global responses through three key principles: studying the crime, sharing information, and acting at speed.