The criminal networks that drive the illegal trade in wildlife and wildlife parts in Africa are complex and dangerous, but not numerous. These activities are fueled, in large part, by only a few “super gangs” that are also involved in other illegal trades, such as the trade in drugs. According to a recent investigation, “You have a family that is a criminal organisation, they’re not just into drugs, they’re multi-faceted and ivory is just one of their money-making products.” You can learn more about the criminal enterprises at the heart of the ivory trade in our groundbreaking reports Ivory’s Curse and Out of Africa.
Link: The Guardian