Interpol Operation Leads to 233 Arrests in Latin American Environmental Crime Crackdown
Interpol coordinated 'Operation Madre Tierra VIII' from June 1 to July 31, targeting environmental crime networks across nine countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. The operation resulted in 233 arrests and the identification of 312 individuals suspected of involvement in environmental crimes. Authorities recovered over 1,000 live animals, including endangered species like Bengal tigers, lions, ocelots, and jaguars, and seized 165 kilograms of dried shark fins. The crackdown also identified 60,000 hectares of illegally cleared forest and disrupted illegal mining activities, leading to the seizure of 4.6 tonnes of cyanide and 11 containers of mercury. Investigators uncovered links to 161 additional companies and 65 individuals operating across multiple continents, revealing widespread permit fraud, the use of shell companies, and foreign investment mechanisms to facilitate these illicit activities. The operation built on intelligence from previous efforts, connecting information across countries to i...
