Over 90 arrests made during the environmental crime in the Amazon Basin

Assets worth over $64 million were seized and 94 individuals were arrested in a recent multinational law enforcement operation targeting environmental crimes in the Amazon Basin. The crackdown, spearheaded by the United Arab Emirates, dealt a significant blow to transnational criminal networks involved in illegal activities in the region.

The operation, known as Operation Green Shield, took place from June 23 to July 6 and involved the collaboration of more than 1,500 officers from Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Over 350 coordinated raids were conducted to combat illegal mining, wildlife trafficking, logging, and fuel smuggling in some of the most remote and environmentally sensitive areas of the Amazon.

Dubbed Operation Green Shield, this initiative was organized by the UAE’s Ministry of Interior through the International Initiative of Law Enforcement for Climate (I2LEC), a platform established in 2023 to support climate-related policing efforts. A central command center was set up in Bogota, Colombia, facilitating real-time data sharing among the participating countries.

Lt. Col. Dana Humaid, the Director-General of the International Affairs Bureau at the UAE Ministry of Interior and Coordinator of I2LEC, emphasized the impact of environmental crimes on communities and cultural heritage. She stated that these crimes are not just against nature but also against people, highlighting the importance of addressing such issues through international cooperation.

During the operation, authorities seized more than 310 tons of raw minerals, 3,800 cubic meters of timber, 39,000 gallons of smuggled fuel, and various pieces of equipment, including trucks and bulldozers. Additionally, over 2,100 live animals and 6,350 dead specimens were recovered from illegal wildlife trafficking networks.

The raids and arrests spanned a wide area of the Amazon, including Indigenous lands in Brazil, Peru, and Colombia. Notably, wildlife rescues in Peru led to the dismantling of a criminal group involved in trafficking endangered species, while in Colombia, several criminal organizations were disrupted.

The success of Operation Green Shield showcased the effectiveness of international cooperation in combating environmental crimes. By utilizing satellite-based geolocation tools, law enforcement agencies were able to coordinate across borders and monitor operations in real time, leading to one of the most synchronized environmental enforcement actions in the region to date.

Officials from Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru praised the operation for its significant impact on illegal mining, fuel theft, and wildlife trafficking. They emphasized the importance of ongoing efforts to protect the Amazon Basin, one of the most crucial ecosystems on the planet.

Moving forward, authorities anticipate further arrests and seizures as follow-up investigations are conducted to root out environmental criminals in the Amazon Basin. The collaborative efforts of multiple countries in this operation demonstrate a commitment to preserving the region’s biodiversity and protecting Indigenous communities from the harmful effects of environmental crimes.