Page 194 - Supplemento 2-2016 (ENG)

leif gorts

We have many such cases whereby we can organise operational meetings at
which we share information and discuss the tactical approach in investigations
that involve more countries to go against criminal groups; we discuss legal issues
such as the terms and conditions to carry out investigative measures under the
relevant domestic law. We settle all issues and we clarify misunderstandings.

We are also experts in judicial instruments (please check!) and support
joint investigation teams, which we see as a very positive development widely
appreciated by most countries. Through the agreement of a joint investigation
team, you lay the legal foundations to share information and to work closely
together for the purpose of collecting the kind of evidence we need, again, to
convince the judge. I am particularly glad to see that, if I’m not mistaken, Italy
has just taken legal steps to join the joint investigations team, and that is a cru-
cial step towards a common solution.

When we talk about environmental crime and wildlife, we should keep in
mind that, beyond Africa and Asia, in Europe too we have a problem that needs to
be tackled. It is our very own responsibility to do so. We have cases, for instance,
concerning the collection of wildlife birds or eggs in the UK or Scandinavia or else-
where. Again, although there have been examples of good cooperation, we can do
a lot better in this area: producing strong prosecutions against criminal networks in
African Asia is still very challenging, with corruption unfortunately playing a major
role. In this particular context, to a large extent European countries tend to be tran-
sit countries and, as such, we have the responsibility to investigate those transit acti-
vities we see and prosecute individuals involved in the smuggling of wildlife pro-
ducts. But if we want a major change in this respect, we have to find ways of wor-
king with Africa and Asia; it may be difficult but absolutely necessary.

I would like to make one final reflection on the possibility that Europol
may, in the future, become a focal point. The power in this issue lies with the
member states: it is up to them to address this issue and this need. I would per-
sonally welcome such an initiative. Europol could in fact play a pivotal role in
collecting information and intelligence data, which would then be analysed to
produce valuable reports, upon which we could build the kind of strong inve-
stigations we are all hoping for.

Thank you.

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