“An economic crime perpetrated by criminal syndicates in the most remote regions, exploiting local people and lax laws

Wildlife crime now ranks among trafficking in drugs, arms and human beings in terms of profits. It is an economic crime often perpetrated by criminal syndicates operating in the most remote regions of our globalised world, exploiting local people and lax laws or enforcement for personal gain.

The nature of wildlife crime has also changed. Gunmen and flatbed trucks have been replaced by helicopters and potent automatic weapons. The animals in their sights have little chance in this gory pursuit for illicit profits. Behind the gun teams are sophisticated supply chains using modern technology, as well as bribes and corruption, to deliver animal parts to every corner of the earth.”

Source : The Guardian

Author : Yury Fedotov and John E Scanlon

To Read Full Article : http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/sep/26/wildlife-crime-trafficking-drugs-arms