stop wildlife cybercrime in the EU

The EU Wildlife Cybercrime project aims to disrupt and deter criminals and organised criminal networks trafficking wildlife in or via the EU using the internet and parcel delivery services. One of the project deliverables is to undertake an online wildlife trade survey and analysis in Belgium and the Netherlands for wildlife specimens protected under the EU Wildlife Trade Regulations and suspected to be sold illegally online. The survey results are aimed at stakeholders, primarily in Belgium and the Netherlands, but also more widely within the EU, with much of the information being applicable and relevant to all EU Member States.

Between July and September 2019, surveyors found 106 active listings from 2019 for specimens of priority taxa with a link to Belgium and/or the Netherlands. 91 listings were unique, with 15 identified as clear duplicates, i.e. either sellers were posting similar listings cross-posting the same specimens on different sites or they were re-posting the same listing every few days/week or month. In addition, 26 wanted listings, 52 past listings (posted prior to 2019) and over 200 other posts (discussions found in forums, listings in other countries, breeder information, stocklists etc.) relevant to the priority taxa were recorded.