"Historically, enforcement has been largely reactive. There is so much global trade that fewer than 1 in 10 international cargo shipments of any kind are physically inspected. Traffickers also avoid detection by using false or generic names instead of proper species identification, employing coded language in online listings, rerouting shipments and shifting to different messaging platforms when enforcement pressure increases. Emerging digital tools are helping authorities link online monitoring, legal reference tools and on-the-ground investigations."
"In late 2025, Interpol coordinated a global operation across 134 nations, seizing roughly 30,000 live animals, confiscating illegal plant and timber products, and identifying about 1,100 suspected wildlife traffickers for national police to investigate. Wildlife trafficking is one of the most lucrative illicit industries worldwide. It nets between $7 billion and $23 billion per year, according to the Global Environment Facility, a group of nearly 200 nations as well as businesses and nonprofits that funds environmental improvement and protection projects."
Interpol coordinated a late-2025 global operation across 134 nations that seized roughly 30,000 live animals, confiscated illegal plant and timber products, and identified about 1,100 suspected wildlife traffickers for national police investigation. Wildlife trafficking generates between $7 billion and $23 billion annually and spans live animals, plant powders and oils, ivory carvings and musical instruments. Enforcement has been largely reactive, with fewer than 1 in 10 international cargo shipments physically inspected. Traffickers use false or generic names, coded online language, rerouting and platform switching to evade detection. Emerging digital tools and AI are being applied to link online monitoring, legal references and field investigations under CITES enforcement by customs and wildlife agencies.
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