Page 198 - Supplemento 2-2016 (ENG)

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issues and to harness global support. ECEC assists INTERPOL in identifying
emerging patterns and trends in the field of environmental crime enforcement
through three working groups lead projects in the specific areas of wildlife, pol-
lution and fisheries crime.

In terms of figures, according to United Nations statistics, environmental
crime generates illicit profits estimated between US$70 and the 230 billion
annually; illegal wildlife trade is the fourth largest global illegal trafficking after
narcotics, counterfeiting and human trafficking; environmental crime profits
represent more than half of profits generated by drug trade.

When speaking about environmental crime, we should consider conver-
ging crimes and enabling crimes, which mainly involve corruption, document
fraud and money laundering.

For example, when we conduct operations in the area of illegal fishing, we
often obtain evidence of trafficking in human beings, as quite often those wor-
king at sea are illegal and exploited workers, as well as corruption; another
example is the illegal production of charcoal, which in some African countries
is used to finance terrorism.

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