International Desk:
Is the golden era of global wildlife trafficking coming to an end? A recent report by the influential anti-trafficking body Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC) suggests that it might be. According to the organization, major trafficking syndicates moving ivory and pangolin scales from Africa to Asia have suffered unprecedented disruption in recent months. Coordinated international operations and intensified intelligence surveillance have nearly broken the supply chains of this illegal trade.
Sharp Decline in Trafficking Seizures
Latest data released by the WJC shows that large-scale seizures in 2024 and 2025 have dropped dramatically compared to 2019.
Pangolin scales: Trafficking has fallen by about 84 percent from its peak years.
Ivory: Large ivory shipment seizures have declined by nearly 74 percent.
Experts say this decline does not simply mean less trafficking. Rather, it reflects the weakened capacity of criminal networks. Major syndicates are no longer able to risk moving tons of illegal wildlife products across borders as they once did.
Traffickers in a State of “Disruption and Disarray”
The report is titled “Disruption and Disarray.” It explains that strict law enforcement actions in key transit countries like Nigeria and Vietnam have scattered trafficking networks.
Instead of shipping goods in large containers by sea, traffickers are now using courier services and small parcels. This has increased their operating costs and sharply reduced profits, making the business difficult to sustain in the long run.
The Role of ‘Intelligence Diplomacy’
BusinessToday24 analysts identify three main reasons behind this collapse.
First, targeting kingpins. Instead of only arresting carriers, authorities are now focusing on the masterminds of the networks. Through continuous operations by Nigerian customs and Vietnamese police, several top traffickers are now behind bars.
Second, real-time data sharing. Information exchange between Asian and African countries is now much faster. Destination countries often know about illegal cargo even before a ship leaves port.
Third, financial surveillance. Digital money flows linked to wildlife trafficking are under closer watch. Tougher anti-money laundering laws are blocking the movement of illegal profits.
Market Shift: Demand Versus Risk
China once had extremely high demand for ivory. After the country banned its domestic ivory market, demand began to fall. At the same time, awareness campaigns against the false belief in the medicinal value of pangolin scales have reduced both demand and prices across Asian markets.
Future Challenges
The WJC warns that although large syndicates are under heavy pressure, traffickers are now trying to survive on a smaller scale. They are using the dark web and encrypted messaging apps like Telegram to continue their business quietly.
For this reason, the report stresses that there is no room for relaxing surveillance. Continuous international cooperation will be crucial to prevent wildlife trafficking from reorganizing and rising again in a new form.
