INTERPOL has announced that a suspected illegal ivory trader sought by its 'Operation Infra Terra - International Fugitive Round Up and Arrest' was arrested in Zambia.
The arrest follows INTERPOL's public appeal to help locate individuals wanted for environmental crimes.
10 December 2014: INTERPOL has announced that a suspected illegal ivory trader sought by its ‘Operation Infra Terra – International Fugitive Round Up and Arrest’ was arrested in Zambia. The arrest follows INTERPOL’s public appeal to help locate individuals wanted for environmental crimes.
During the operation, with the support of INTERPOL’s Fugitive Investigative Support (FIS) unit, investigators from Botswana and Zambia exchanged information on Ben Simasiku, the suspect in custody, including his possible location in Zambia. In parallel, the Zambia Wildlife Authority received a tip from a member of the public regarding a person in possession of ivory in Livingstone. Through collaboration with the Zambia Police, Simasiku was arrested on 2 December 2014.
Stefano Carvelli, Head of INTERPOL’s FIS unit, noted that crimes that harm the environment are not always looked upon as “serious,” which is something INTERPOL wishes to change through actions such as Operation Infra Terra. [INTERPOL News] [IISD RS story on Infra Terra Launch]