Interpol Probe Links 161 Firms to Amazon Clearing, Leads to 233 Arrests Across Latin America
Interpol conducted a two-month operation, 'Operation Madre Tierra VIII,' from June 1 to July 31, across nine Latin American countries: Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Panama. This probe resulted in 233 arrests and identified 161 companies across several continents linked to Amazon destruction. Authorities documented over 330 cases and identified 312 suspected individuals involved in environmental crimes, with approximately 60,000 hectares of illegally cleared forest recorded. In Colombia, 16 people were arrested, and digital evidence was seized in connection with the destruction of over 52,000 hectares of protected forest, initially linked to 11 foreign companies. The investigation further connected an additional 161 companies and 65 individuals to this case. The operation also uncovered suspected permit fraud and the alleged use of shell firms and foreign investment structures to facilitate these illicit activities. This initiative bui...
