Interpol creates most wanted list of environmental criminals
The International Criminal Police Organization, commonly known as Interpol, has created a most wanted list dedicated to the pursuit of people who have committed environmental crimes such as poaching.
A statement released by Interpol says the list currently comprises 139 people wanted in 36 different countries. Among the crimes these fugitives committed are illegal logging and fishing, and the illegal trade and disposal of ivory and waste.
The most wanted listed is part of Operation Infra Terra. Infra stands for "International Fugitive Round Up and Arrest," while "Terra" is the Latin word for Earth. It was generated after a meeting of officials from member countries at Interpol's headquarters in Lyon, France. Among the suspects is Feisal Mohamad Ali, the purported leader of an ivory smuggling ring based in Kenya. Ioannis Kokkinis, Criminal Intelligence Officer with INTERPOL's Fugitive Investigative Support unit coordinating Infra Terra asked that the public all over the world keep their eyes peeled for anyone on the list. He also asked that they share any information that they believe may be relevant, no matter how small. The structure for Infra Terra was based on previous Infra missions that took place between 2010 and 2012. Those missions led to approximately 600 positive identifications and arrests. A number of aid and environmental organizations have thrown their support behind Operation Infra Terra. These groups include the International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime, the Wildcat Foundation, USAID, the European Commission, and the Norwegian Agency for Development Corporation. One of the most wanted on the list is Adriano Giacobone. He is being sought for the illegal dumping of toxic waste. He previously served a prison sentence for the same charge which poisoned groundwater from 1984-1986. He also served time for unlawfully disposing of waste in 1991.
