17 November 2014: INTERPOL has launched the first global operation targeting individuals wanted for serious environmental crime, including wildlife crime.

Supported by the International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime (ICCWC), Operation International Fugitive Round Up and Arrest (INFRA-Terra), is targeting nine fugitives wanted for environmental crime, and asking for assistance from the public to help apprehend these fugitives. Ben Janse van Rensburg, Chief of Enforcement Support of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), said that this initial operation represents a big step forward in the fight against wildlife criminal networks.

The public is invited to send information on the possible location of the targets of Operation INFRA-Terra, or any internationally wanted persons, to INTERPOL’s Fugitive Investigative Support Unit. Information can also be given anonymously to any national ‘Crime Stoppers’ programme.

Infra-Terra falls under INTERPOL’s initiative, Operation Infra-Red, which aims to “locate and arrest serious long-term international fugitives.” [INTERPOL Operation Infra-Red] [CITES News] [INTERPOL’s Fugitive Investigative Support Unit] [UN Press Release]