Organised crime in relation to wildlife : a local and international perspective

Abstract

Crimes against the environment are considered to be voiceless crimes. The main focus of this research is to analyse transnational organised wildlife crime. This area of research has been studied by various scholars throughout various States but there seems to be very little material locally. Addressing a conference on environment crime in Malta under the auspicious of the EU Maltese Presidency earlier on this year, Home Affairs and National Security Minister Carmelo Abela reaffirmed that environmental crime was one of the most profitable off shoots of organised crime that has serious repercussions on human health, biodiversity, climate change and the economy. During the same conference, Roel Willekens, chair of Envicrimenet, which brings together specialised enforcement officers from among the European Union, held that 15 out of 34 European Union countries surveyed by INTERPOL in 2016 believed that environmental crime is linked to corruption. The main aim of the research is to get data on the subject, disseminate accurate information about the issue and create awareness on the legal tools available and needed to address the phenomenon. Throughout the study, the research will engage with local professionals in the field such as the police, customs and environment officials so that a holistic approach will be analysed and comprehensive ideas are shared as a solution. The data obtained from semi- structured interview with interested Parties will be evaluated against the legal background presently in force both at a local and international level.