Operation Green Shield Dismantles Criminal Networks In Amazon Basin, Seizing Over US$64 Million In Assets

Operation Green Shield, spearheaded by the UAE Ministry of Interior through the International Initiative of Law Enforcement for Climate (I2LEC), marked a significant achievement in international environmental law enforcement. This operation dismantled major criminal networks in the Amazon Basin, resulting in 94 arrests and the seizure of illicit assets valued at over US$64 million.

The campaign, conducted over two weeks, involved more than 1,500 officers executing over 350 field operations across Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Coordinated from a central command centre in Bogotá and strategically overseen by the UAE Ministry of Interior, this operation built on the success of "Operation Green Justice" in 2024.

Key outcomes included seizing over 310 tonnes of illegally extracted raw minerals, 61 tonnes of calcium oxide, and 3,800 cubic metres of illegally harvested timber. Additionally, more than 39,000 gallons of smuggled fuel were confiscated. The operation also dealt a severe blow to wildlife trafficking by rescuing over 2,100 live animals and confiscating 6,350 deceased specimens.

Peruvian police dismantled the "Los Depredadores del Oriente" gang involved in wildlife trafficking and rescued 1,400 live animals. In Colombia, authorities dismantled three organised crime groups and a cell linked to the Clan del Golfo syndicate. Heavy equipment used in criminal activities was also seized during these operations.

The use of advanced technology played a crucial role in Operation Green Shield's success. Esri’s ArcGIS Mission tool enabled real-time location tracking and communication between teams operating in remote areas. This technology strengthened field operations and supported ongoing investigations and prosecutions.

The I2LEC Centre coordinated the entire campaign by harmonising procedures between national forces and providing essential technology for real-time information sharing. This coordination facilitated synchronised action among participating countries.

International Cooperation and Future Strategies

I2LEC and its partners are currently analysing collected data to develop long-term strategies aimed at dismantling criminal networks and enhancing environmental governance in the region. Further seizures and arrests are anticipated as investigations continue with participating countries.

Senior officials from partner countries praised the operation's success. Colonel Jorge Andrés Bernal Granada from Colombia highlighted progress against illegal mining and wildlife trafficking. He emphasised Colombia's leadership in environmental law enforcement as part of a broader strategy enhancing international cooperation against common threats.

Commitment to Environmental Protection

Ecuador’s Deputy Commander-in-Chief Fausto Patricio Iñiguez Sotomayor noted that Ecuador’s first participation in an I2LEC-led initiative marked a pivotal step against environmental crimes. He credited UAE support through I2LEC for successfully dismantling cross-border criminal groups profiting from environmental destruction.

General Manuel Elias Lozada Morales from Peru expressed pride in participating for the second consecutive year in Operation Green Shield. He thanked the UAE for its commitment to defending the Amazon rainforest through international cooperation.

A Unified Effort Against Environmental Crime

Renato Madsen Arruda from Brazil’s Federal Police stated that this collaboration reflects Brazil’s commitment to protecting natural resources. He expressed pride in efforts to disrupt criminal operations like illegal gold mining within remote Amazon areas.

I2LEC aims to enhance global law enforcement capabilities by targeting criminal economies driving environmental degradation. Since its launch by the UAE Ministry of Interior with UNODC partnership in 2023, I2LEC has trained over 2,000 officers globally while promoting international cooperation towards climate objectives.

The operation demonstrated how unity can effectively protect vital ecosystems like the Amazon rainforest for future generations while sending a clear message about coordinated enforcement power against illicit economies worth millions.

With inputs from WAM