New Delhi, September 2: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated a significant coordination meeting focused on wildlife trafficking between India and Thailand at its headquarters in New Delhi. This two-day meeting aims to enhance cross-border cooperation against the illegal trade of foreign wildlife.
Taking place on September 2-3, the meeting is jointly organized by the CBI and Interpol’s Environmental Security Sub-Directorate (ENS).
According to the CBI, the rising incidence of animal trafficking across Asia has become a major concern. There has been a notable increase in the smuggling of foreign species between Southeast Asia and South Asia.
Air routes are frequently used to transport animals from countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia to India, with Singapore often serving as a transit hub. Another common route is the land path from Thailand through Myanmar.
During this two-day program, participants will discuss trends in the trafficking of foreign species, major smuggling routes, methods used by criminal networks to conceal their activities, and ways to enhance cooperation in identifying and apprehending traffickers.
In his opening remarks, CBI Special Director Manoj Shashidhar emphasized that wildlife trafficking has evolved beyond a mere conservation issue to become a form of international organized crime. This involves modern concealment and transportation methods, as well as extensive cross-border connections.
He noted that the movement of trafficked animals often involves multiple intermediaries and routes, highlighting the need for robust international cooperation in investigations. Shashidhar also stressed the importance of issuing Interpol notices against fugitives involved in wildlife trafficking.
In addition to Thai officials, representatives from the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force, Madhya Pradesh State Tiger Strike Force, Odisha Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, and the CBI are participating in the meeting.
The CBI stated that as the National Central Bureau (NCB) in New Delhi, it is actively collaborating in international efforts to combat wildlife trafficking. Over the past two years, it has conducted two regional investigation and analytical case meetings in partnership with Interpol, involving several foreign jurisdictions.
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