On July 11, 2013, The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service announced that following a coordinated undercover law enforcement sting called “Operation Wild Web,” Federal and state charges were filed against numerous wildlife traffickers caught illegally selling wildlife and related products online. The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) aided in the operation.
According to IFAW North American Regional Director Jeff Flocken, “The Internet is the largest marketplace on Earth. It’s 24/7, anonymous, and largely unregulated and unmonitored. The Internet has become a dangerous place for animals.” Flocken said he’s glad “The U.S. Government is going after people selling wildlife illegally online.”
IFAW has been a leader in illegal wildlife trade investigations, and previous investigations by IFAW served as a benchmark for “Operation Wild Web.” Flocken said “I’m honored that IFAW’s work investigating wildlife crime online was credited as the inspiration for ‘Operation Wild Web’.”
When asked about the scope of “Operation Wild Web,” Flocken replied “It was very large. The U.S. and three other nations, eight state wildlife agencies, 14 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service offices plus IFAW and other nonprofits did the work. IFAW had four employees who spent two weeks scouring the Internet in targeted regions sending tips back to law enforcement officers whenever we suspected something appeared to be illegal wildlife trafficking.”
The illegal wildlife trade ranks fourth on the list of most lucrative global illegal activities behind narcotics, counterfeiting and human trafficking.
Founded in 1969, the International Fund for Animal Welfare saves animals in crisis around the world. With projects in more than 40 countries, IFAW provides hands-on assistance to individual animals, works to prevent cruelty, and advocates for the protection of wildlife and habitats.
For more information, visit www.ifaw.org.
Share this post...
