The Hague, the Netherlands// – The Wildlife Justice Commission today published its 2025 Annual Report, marking a decade of intelligence-led investigations, policy leadership, and measurable impact in the global fight against wildlife crime.
The 2025 Annual Report highlights one of the most impactful years in the organisation’s history. During the year, Wildlife Justice investigations contributed to 53 arrests, including 10 high-level traffickers and kingpins; the disruption of 24 trafficking networks; and 13 successful convictions across multiple jurisdictions. Additionally, Wildlife Justice further built upon its work combatting marine species trafficking, applying its intelligence-led model to crimes involving sharks, sea cucumbers, and seahorses.
“Ten years ago, Wildlife Justice was created to challenge a seemingly hopeless situation where elephants, rhinos, and other species were being trafficked to extinction”, said Olivia Swaak-Goldman, Executive Director of the Wildlife Justice Commission.
“Today, we have ten years of evidence demonstrating that our model works. By targeting the criminal networks, kingpins, facilitators, and financial structures driving wildlife trafficking, we are creating lasting disruption where it matters most. This report shows that organised wildlife crime is not inevitable. With the right partnerships, intelligence, and commitment, even the most entrenched transnational criminal networks can be successfully confronted”, she added.
Over the past decade, Wildlife Justice has contributed to 355 arrests, disrupted 104 criminal networks, rescued more than 12,000 live animals, and disseminated 678 intelligence reports to law enforcement partners worldwide. The organisation has also influenced 26 international policies and strengthened 51 policy and technical processes aimed at improving the global response to wildlife trafficking.
As the organisation enters its second decade, Wildlife Justice is further expanding its operations while continuing to strengthen partnerships with law enforcement agencies around the world.
The 2025 Annual Report is available at www.wildlifejustice.org
