WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING : A CRIMINAL LAW PERSPECTIVE

AUTHOR – NEHA GHUGTYAL* & DR. BHAWNA ARORA**

* STUDENT AT LAW COLLEGE DEHRADUN / UTTARANCHAL UNIVERSITY

** ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR AT LAW COLLEGE DEHRADUN / UTTARANCHAL UNIVERSITY

BEST CITATION – NEHA GHUGTYAL & DR. BHAWNA ARORA, WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING : A CRIMINAL LAW PERSPECTIVE, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (10) OF 2025, PG. 225-232, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.

Abstract

Wildlife trafficking has evolved into one of the most lucrative forms of transnational organized crime, posing severe threats to biodiversity, national security, and the rule of law. This study examines wildlife trafficking through the lens of organized crime and criminal law, highlighting the complex, structured networks that facilitate the illegal trade in flora and fauna. By analyzing national and international legal frameworks—including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC), and domestic penal laws—this research underscores the gaps and limitations in current enforcement mechanisms. The paper also explores how existing criminal law tools, such as asset forfeiture, conspiracy provisions, and anti-money laundering laws, can be leveraged to dismantle criminal syndicates involved in wildlife trafficking. The study concludes with recommendations for strengthening legal responses, enhancing interagency cooperation, and promoting a paradigm shift that treats wildlife trafficking not merely as an environmental offense, but as a serious organized crime demanding robust legal intervention.