News

Geneva, 15 December 2025 - The 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora ( CoP20 ) took place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from 24 November to 5 December 2025. CoP20 marked a significant moment for global wildlife conservation and international cooperation. Bringing together governments, enforcement authorities, technical experts, and conservation organizations, it served as a major platform for shaping the future of wildlife trade regulation. Over

Operation Thunder 2025: 134 participating countries make record seizures of protected plants, animals and timber 11 December 2025, Geneva - A global operation against the illegal trafficking of wild fauna and flora has led to the seizure of nearly 30,000 live animals and the identification of 1,100 suspects. From 15 September – 15 October, law enforcement agencies comprising police, customs, border security and forestry and wildlife authorities from 134 countries made a total of 4,640 seizures during Operation Thunder 2025

Geneva, 10 November 2025 – Today marks a major milestone in the global fight against wildlife crime, as the International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime (ICCWC) celebrates its 15-year anniversary. To understand the significance of this moment, it is worth reflecting on how far the global community has come since 2010. The beginning of the partnership In 2010, the heads of five intergovernmental organizations with specialized yet complementary mandates came together to sign the Letter of Understanding Establishing the International

Geneva, 30 September 2025 — The International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime (ICCWC) has released its latest Annual Report 2024 offering a comprehensive overview of the Consortium’s efforts and impact over the past year. Published annually, the report highlights key achievements of countries around the world to combat wildlife crime, including key collaborative milestones, and progress made in strengthening criminal justice responses to wildlife crime.   Secretary-General of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora

Pretoria, 16 June 2025 — Although progress has been made in combating crimes affecting rhinoceroses, poaching and trafficking continue to represent a significant threat to their populations. These crimes are largely driven by the demand for rhinoceros horn in illegal markets and further exacerbated by the involvement of transnational organized crime groups, which makes addressing these crimes increasingly complex. Traffickers exploit weaknesses in border controls, corruption, and enforcement gaps and use violence or threats of violence to achieve their goals

The 78th meeting of the Standing Committee ( SC78 ) of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora ( CITES ) took place in Geneva from 3 - 8 February 2025. During SC78, the International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime ( ICCWC ) reported on progress with the implementation of its work and hosted two events. Representatives from Parties and ICCWC partner organizations highlighted the importance of international collaboration and the collection and use

Geneva, 7 February 2025 - The European Union (EU) awarded the International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime (ICCWC) €27 million to tackle organized crime networks trafficking in wildlife globally and reduce the demand driving this illicit trade, in collaboration with civil society organizations. The new initiative, GUARD Wildlife - G lobal U nited A ction to R educe and D ismantle Organized Wildlife Crime – aims to conserve endangered species and biodiversity for future generations. The project will be implemented

Nearly 20,000 live animals seized, 365 suspects arrested in largest-ever wildlife and forestry operation 138 countries and regions join forces to target fauna and flora trafficking worldwide Originally published by INTERPOL and WCO Nearly 20,000 live animals, all endangered or protected species, have been seized in a global operation against wildlife and forestry trafficking networks, jointly coordinated by INTERPOL and the World Customs Organization (WCO). Operation Thunder 2024 (11 November – 6 December) brought together police, customs, border control, forestry

International Forum on Combating Money Laundering and Transnational Organized Crimes: Criminal Networks, Trade Dynamics and Beyond Opening Ceremony Keynote by CITES Secretary-General Ivonne Higuero 10 December 2024, Hong Kong SAR, China Excellencies, Distinguished delegates, Guests and participants, Ladies and gentlemen, It is my great honour to address you today at the International Forum on Combating Money Laundering and Transnational Organized Crimes: Criminal Networks, Trade Dynamics and Beyond. I would like to begin by expressing my sincere thanks to the Hong

Physical Inspection, Wood Identification, Risk Assessment and Forensics: Empowering Law Enforcement Officers to Tackle Illegal Timber Trade in Africa Kampala, 9 December 2024 – Healthy forests sustain biodiversity, livelihoods, and local economies. Home to most of the planet’s terrestrial species, forests provide millions of people with jobs, along with food and fuel for more than 90 percent of the world’s most vulnerable populations. When forests are threatened, so too are the benefits they provide and the survival of wildlife. To