• UAE Ministry of Interior leads ‘Operation Green Shield’ to combat environmental crime.
• The campaign resulted in 94 arrests and illegal assets seizures worth over $64 million.
• In total, over 1,500 officers from four countries took part in the operation.
• Key seizures included 310 tonnes of minerals and 2,100 live animals rescued.
• The operation disrupted criminal networks involved in timber smuggling and wildlife trafficking.

UAE’s Initiative Aims to Protect the Amazon

Recently, the UAE Ministry of Interior has made a significant stride in combating environmental crime with the launch of ‘Operation Green Shield.’ This ambitious initiative is aimed at disrupting illegal activities taking place within the vast Amazon Basin. Over a two-week period, the operation yielded remarkable results including the arrest of 94 individuals and the confiscation of illegal assets estimated to be worth more than $64 million.

Diverse Crime Tackled Across Multiple Countries

Coordinated from a command center established in Bogotá, Colombia, Operation Green Shield brought together more than 1,500 law enforcement officers from various nations—including Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. The operation, steered by the UAE’s International Initiative of Law Enforcement for Climate (I2LEC), benefited from strategic oversight and technical assistance provided by ESRI. Officers conducted more than 350 operations targeting a spectrum of illicit activities, such as illegal logging and wildlife trafficking, and the results were significant.

Significant Achievements in Environmental Protection

The gains of Operation Green Shield indicate a promising shift in environmental law enforcement. Key outcomes included the seizure of over 310 tonnes of raw minerals, 2,100 rescued live animals, and a staggering 39,000 gallons of fuel intercepted. The collaborative efforts successfully disrupted organized crime syndicates as evidenced by the dismantling of a wildlife trafficking gang in Peru, where an astonishing 1,400 live animals were rescued. In Colombia, operations led to the disruption of three criminal organizations linked to the notorious Clan del Golfo, showcasing the operation’s potential for impact.

In summary, Operation Green Shield represents a promising enhancement in global environmental crime enforcement. Coordinated by the UAE, this operation illustrates the importance of international collaboration in tackling complex ecological issues. As more arrests may be forthcoming, this initiative highlights a critical shift in protecting the Amazon and preserving its invaluable resources.