A recent study revealed that the illegal wildlife trade is intricately linked with various other criminal activities such as arms trafficking, drug smuggling, and human trafficking. Michelle Anagnostou conducted this research during her PhD program at the University of Waterloo (UW). She highlighted a significant lack of understanding regarding the multibillion-dollar illegal wildlife trade and how organized crime networks launder their money across borders.
Anagnostou emphasized the need to target the higher-level individuals profiting from wildlife and human exploitation, rather than just apprehending poachers and smugglers at lower levels. Wildlife trafficking involves the illegal trade of animals and plants and has far-reaching consequences globally, as per the study findings.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is dedicated to combating major criminal threats and disrupting organized crime networks involved in trafficking various commodities, including wildlife. The RCMP collaborates with provincial, territorial, and international partners to address the illegal wildlife trade and investigate criminal networks operating in this illicit market.
Brent Doberstein, a professor at UW, commended the study for offering practical insights to tackle the global issue of illegal wildlife trade. Anagnostou’s research, which employed innovative data collection methods and engaged law enforcement and intelligence experts, aims to develop anti-money laundering strategies to combat wildlife trafficking in Canada effectively.
The next phase of Anagnostou’s research will focus on implementing anti-money laundering measures to target high-level criminals profiting from wildlife trafficking. This proactive approach aims to follow the money trail and leverage financial institutions and intelligence units to apprehend the masterminds behind this lucrative criminal activity.