Webinar 3047/2023/WEB: Illegal ivory trade

Illegal ivory trade is endangering in its existence the some of the most majestic and emblematic animals of the world: African and Indian elephants, hippopotamuses, walruses. The severe degradation of our environment is fuelling organised crime in the developing world.

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) allows certain formats of ivory trade and thought the EU rules are even stricter there are exemptions there as well. For instance legally obtained hunting trophies can be brought to the EU or import of ivory is permitted or pre-1975 musical instruments, and for antique artefacts if they are sold to museums. For law enforcement it is a challenge is to differentiate between legal an illegal trade and evidencing the latter and to identify the hidden channels of illegal trade.

Great part of the illegal ivory trade is facilitated by the open and the dark web. Illegal auction sites create an easily and world-wide accessible market bring together the unscrupulous suppliers and buyers. This webinar wishes to raise awareness on crime patterns of illegal ivory trade in particular on its online format. Experts from the International Fund for Animal Welfare and a European art and antique trade firm will share their knowledge on the phenomenon.