INTERPOL and CBI Join Forces: New Delhi Meeting Targets Transnational Wildlife Trafficking

New Delhi, 22nd February 2024: Praveen Sood, Director, CBI inaugurated a two-day Regional Investigative and Analytical Case Meeting (RIACM) on Exotic Species Trafficking at New Delhi today.

Addressing the participating delegations, Sood said that trafficking of exotic wild species, poses a grave threat which demands enhanced international cooperation and information sharing among law enforcement agencies.

He highlighted that each of the participating countries are home to rich biodiversity, including rare and endangered species that are targeted by trans-national poaching and smuggling networks. He reiterated India’s commitment to the conservation and protection of exotic species through a combination of legal frameworks, enforcement mechanisms, international cooperation and community involvement.

Hyuk Lee, Criminal Intelligence Officer from Environmental Security Unit of INTERPOL spoke during the inaugural session and detailed the need to better understand trafficking routes and modus operandi. He hoped that the meeting will contribute towards disrupting and dismantling the illicit supply chains that sustain this illegal trade.

INTERPOL and CBI are co-hosting the two day Regional Investigative and Analytical Case Meeting (RIACM) on Exotic Species Trafficking. The event is being held in-person at CBI Headquarters in New Delhi on 22nd – 23rd February, 2024 with participation of delegations of law enforcement professionals and domain experts from India, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. The delegation from India includes officers from CBI, WCCB and DRI.

Agenda of the meeting includes understanding of the modus operandi and trafficking routes of live exotic animals and birds in the region, identifying information gaps, criminal information sharing, identification of transnational networks and deliberation on priority targets involved in trafficking transactions. The meeting involves exchange of updates on trans-national criminal networks and on related INTERPOL notices. The meeting also seeks to enhance utilization of INTERPOL channels to combat wildlife crimes.

CBI is the National Central Bureau for INTERPOL in India and coordinates with all law enforcement agencies in India for cooperation over INTERPOL channels.