TAO ZHIQIANG

Law Enforcement Programme Officer, Environment Team @unodc_env @UNODC_SEAP, former police #endENVcrime RTNE

[Serkan Tanyildizi @srkntnyldz]

Dubai’den Hindistan’a giden bir uçağın tuvaletinde saklanmış halde 2.8 kilo ağırlığında 24 ayar altın külçeleri bulundu.

Kesinlikle içeriden birisi konuşmuş, yoksa bu altınları kimse bulamazdı…

[UNODC Eastern Africa @UNODCEastAfrica]

After 190+ seizures under SAMA I & II, SAMA 3 deepens investigative and prosecutorial cooperation across Africa.

@UNODC continues to support Customs-led, intelligence-driven action against wildlife crime, with generous support from the @EU_Commission🇪🇺
#endENVcrime #SDG15 #SDG16

[UNODC Environment Team @UNODC_ENV]

From rhino chip scanners to AI-driven platforms like the WildCrime Compass, innovative tools presented at the WIRE Forum are shaping the future of counter-wildlife trafficking and global enforcement. 🦏🧭

#endENVcrime

[United Nations Geneva @UNGeneva]

92 wildlife seizures in 15 African countries exposed sophisticated networks trafficking endangered species and protected timber.

Read how @UNODC and @WCO_OMD work to dismantle these groups through intelligence-led enforcement ⬇️

#EndWildlifeCrime

[Wildlife Justice Commission @WJCommission]

🚨 Two baby orangutans rescued in #Thailand!🦧

On 14 May 2025, Thai authorities, acting on intelligence from the Wildlife Justice Commission(WJC), seized two infant male orangutans, named Christopher and Stefan, from illegal trade in Thailand. The suspect, a Thai national, has been charged with possessing protected wildlife without reporting it to the relevant authorities. The baby orangutans are now receiving care with Thailand's Wildlife Health Management Division of the Department of National Parks.

The arrest and seizure are part of a broader investigation of the Thai authorities with support from the WJC, @USFWS and @UNODC , into the criminal networks trafficking baby orangutans from Indonesia to Thailand. The operation marks a critical step in dismantling the supply chain of this cruel trade, which often results in the killing of protective mothers—meaning one life lost for every baby captured.

Orangutans are listed under CITES Appendix I, indicating that they are critically endangered and international trade is strictly prohibited.

This latest success strengthens international cooperation and sends a clear message: the risks of engaging in the illegal wildlife trade are rising.

The WJC remains committed to dismantling trafficking networks, supporting law enforcement in bringing perpetrators to justice, and protecting vulnerable species.

It takes a network to defeat a network!

[Bangkok Post @BangkokPostNews]

Thai authorities intercepted over 400 shark fins at Suvarnabhumi Airport, stopping a major smuggling operation. The shipment, falsely declared as dry fish, was en route to China from Trinidad and Tobago. Valued at over 2 million baht, the bust highlights Thailand’s crackdown on illegal wildlife trafficking and endangered species protection.

Audio & full story: https://t.co/XANCDeQrHK

#BangkokPost #Thailand #SharkFin

[UNODC Environment Team @UNODC_ENV]

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Olga Kuzmianok Wagenaar, a cherished member of the UNODC Environment Team and tireless advocate for our planet. Her legacy inspires us, and we will honour her by continuing the work she cared for so deeply. Rest in peace dear Olga.

[Wildlife Justice Commission @WJCommission]

Celebrating a historic homecoming for Malagasy wildlife! 🐢🐒

On 27 November 2024, the Wildlife Justice Commission proudly attended the historic Ceremony on the Repatriation of Malagasy Animals hosted by Thailand’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment(MNRE). This event marked the return of 759 radiated tortoises, 155 spider tortoise, 31 brown lemurs, and 16 ring-tailed lemurs to their native country, #Madagascar.

These critically endangered species, listed under CITES Appendix I, were seized by the Thai Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division (NED) in May, following intelligence provided by the Wildlife Justice Commission.

This marks the first repatriation of confiscated wildlife prior to the conclusion of legal proceedings in #Thailand, made possible by updated laws enabling faster action. We are immensely proud and grateful to have played a role in rescuing these animals and to now see them return to their native habitat—a truly remarkable outcome.

The operation was a significant victory against a transnational wildlife trafficking network, underscoring the importance of collaboration. We commend the efforts of Thai authorities, including the NED, Department of Special Investigations (@dsi_th ), and Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), and our international partners such as @UNODC and @USFWS.

To hear more about the operation and our role, listen to an insightful interview on the illegal live pet trade with our Executive Director, Olivia Swaak-Goldman, on BBC Radio(from 23:26):

https://t.co/ZfBd9NgGQO

Together, we are making a difference for wildlife!

#WildlifeJustice #EndWildlifeTrafficking #WildlifeRepatriation

[UNODC South-East Asia & the Pacific @UNODC_SEAP]

Thailand's historic seizure of 48 lemurs & 1200+ endangered tortoises highlights the global scale of #WildlifeTrafficking.

Thanks to intl cooperation, these animals will be returned to Madagascar—a vital step as countries work to #EndWildlifeCrime & preserve biodiversity.

[ICCWC @ICCWC_WFC]

Supporting national authorities with investigations, operations and prosecutions is key to tackling #wildlifecrime from multiple angles.👮‍♀️

Find out more about the work of #ICCWC➡️ https://t.co/Vrh7rGZ4z4

#TogetherAgainstWildlifeCrime

[Environmental Investigation Agency @EIA_News]

#Liberia: Operation leads to four arrests and the seizure of more than half a tonne of #pangolin scales

https://t.co/Ae4WZ11Xvk

#illegalwildlifetrade #Africa #Nigeria #China

[UNODC Environment Team @UNODC_ENV]

Exciting progress against wildlife trafficking!

Minister of Environment 🇲🇬 requested Mutual Legal Assistance from Minister of Justice 🇹🇭 for an ongoing case.

We are proud to facilitate this exchange through 🇪🇺 and 🇺🇸 support.

Together we can dismantle criminal networks.

[TAO ZHIQIANG @SamTZQ]

🚨 Operation Mekong Dragon gains traction! China and Vietnam have been leading the regional effort to combat trafficking of CITES-listed species and drugs. We are honored to support this vital initiative. Learn more: https://t.co/CJrcZcbl1M #EndEnvCrime #MekongDragon

[John @eljohn88]

#BreakingNow A senior Customs officer charged in #Malaysia today in connection with a bust last July that uncovered a smuggling syndicate’s storeroom holding 1.8 tonnes of #pangolin scales. First legal action brought in relation to this seizure https://t.co/DP6TtiYMt9

[Ghada Fathi Waly @GhadaFathiWaly]

Impressed by the work of Hong Kong customs, using X-ray scanning, high-tech inspection tools & drug detector dogs to combat drug trafficking & wildlife crime.

Discussed with Commissioner Louise Ho Pui-shan how @UNODC can strengthen law enforcement responses to organised crime.

[Stephen Carmody @carmody_stephen]

Follow up success by Madagascar Customs with 4 arrests and more suspects sought after Thai enforcement authorities seize over 1250 radiated tortoises and 48 lemurs. Very good cooperation before and after the takedown. Takes a network to defeat a network.
https://t.co/79fdCrlp1y

[Stephen Carmody @carmody_stephen]

https://t.co/30TNxfQZvP
Very good work by NED, USFWS, DSI, DNP, AGO, UNODC and the WJC to shut down this global trafficking network operating on 3 continents. Months of investigative work culminated in this arrest and seizure of tortoises and primates worth over $1.25 million US

[UNODC Environment Team @UNODC_ENV]

Operation SAMA resulted in over 100 seizures of endangered species products across 19 countries in Africa.
Register now to join a briefing and hear about key successes and challenges.
🗓️7 May 2024
⏲️12pm CAT/UTC+2
👉Register https://t.co/KLCiiSvxqb
👉Join https://t.co/Nh18srLqpD

[Environmental Investigation Agency @EIA_News]

#Vietnam: 574 #ivory pieces painted in black seized at Hai Phong port, arriving from #Nigeria

- Painting wildlife products as a concealment method for trafficking is not new but this is understood to be the first time it has been seen in Vietnam

https://t.co/0bxjVBm3I5

[UNODC Environment Team @UNODC_ENV]

On this #ForestDay let's spotlight the clandestine journey of African rosewood to Asia, often smuggled alongside similar-looking legally traded timber. Awareness is key to identify these mixed shipments & protect our forests.
Photo: G. coleosperma (not CITES listed)