UAE-led operation dismantles Amazon crime rings and seizes $64m in illicit assets
Spearheaded by the UAE Ministry of Interior through its International Initiative of Law Enforcement for Climate (I2LEC), the campaign marks a new benchmark in tackling climate-related crimes.
Over a two-week period, more than 1,500 officers across Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru conducted 350 coordinated field operations, supported by a central command centre in Bogotá and cutting-edge geospatial technology.
UAE busts Amazon crime gangs
Key results of Operation Green Shield, include:
94 suspects arrested
$64m in assets seized
310 tonnes of illegally extracted minerals confiscated
3,800 m³ of illegal timber seized
More than 2,100 live animals rescued
6,350 deceased specimens recovered
530 units of heavy equipment impounded
Authorities also disrupted major syndicates, including Colombia's notorious Clan del Golfo and Peru's Los Depredadores del Oriente gang, which was involved in wildlife trafficking and responsible for the illegal capture of 1,400 animals.
Lieutenant Colonel Dana Humaid Al Marzouqi, Director-General of the International Affairs Bureau at the UAE Ministry of Interior and Coordinator of the I2LEC Centre, praised the results and reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to leading climate-related law enforcement globally.
She stated that Operation Green Shield stands as a landmark achievement in climate-focused international enforcement.
She added: 'The scale and speed of the outcomes reflect not only the strength of regional cooperation but also the growing determination of governments to treat environmental crimes as a top security issue.
'From rescuing thousands of animals to disrupting illicit economies worth tens of millions of dollars, the outcomes of Operation Green Shield send a clear message about the power of coordinated enforcement. I2LEC remains committed to enabling countries to act, share intelligence, and achieve meaningful gains for our environment and future generations.'
بتوجيهات القيادة الرشيدة بأهمية حماية البيئة واستدامة مواردها، تواصل دولة الإمارات تنفيذ مبادرتها العالمية 'إنفاذ القانون من أجل المناخ' (I2LEC)، التي أُطلقت بالشراكة مع مكتب الأمم المتحدة المعني بالمخدرات والجريمة (UNODC) خلال مؤتمر 'كوب 28' عام 2023، بهدف تعزيز قدرات أجهزة… pic.twitter.com/d4g9mapu0P
— سيف بن زايد آل نهيان (@SaifBZayed) July 8, 2025
Operation Green Shield also showcased the use of advanced tools like Esri's ArcGIS Mission, enabling real-time tracking and secure communication in remote jungle areas.
The I2LEC Centre played a critical role in coordinating intelligence, synchronising enforcement across borders, and providing vital equipment to participating forces.
The campaign builds on the momentum of Operation Green Justice in 2024, strengthening partnerships and reinforcing I2LEC's vision to treat environmental crime as a top-tier global security threat.
South American praise for UAE efforts
Senior officials from Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador praised the UAE's leadership:
Colombia's National Police hailed progress against illegal mining and fuel theft
Ecuador's police said their first I2LEC operation marked a turning point in cross-border enforcement
Peru affirmed its long-term commitment to Amazon protection
Brazil expressed pride in disrupting gold mining operations and reaffirmed its commitment to environmental integrity
Launched in 2023 by the UAE Ministry of Interior and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), I2LEC has already trained over 2,000 officers, supported global operations, and positioned the UAE as a leader in climate-related enforcement.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
6 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Colombian presidential candidate in critical condition again, say doctors
A Colombian presidential candidate shot at a campaign event in June has deteriorated to critical condition due to a new cerebral hemorrhage, doctors treating him said Saturday. Conservative Senator Miguel Uribe, 39, was speaking to supporters in the capital, Bogota, when a gunman shot him twice in the head and once in the knee. He has been in intensive care since then, and undergone multiple surgeries. In recent weeks his relatives had welcomed progress in his care. But now Uribe has been put back under deep sedation, the Santa Fe Foundation hospital said in a statement. Uribe needs "new neurosurgical procedures" after presenting with a hemorrhage in his central nervous system, the statement said. "His condition is critical." Authorities have arrested six suspects in the attack. They believe the 15-year-old shooter was a hired gun and that dissident members of the defunct FARC guerrilla group are behind the attack. The government of leftist President Gustavo Petro initiated peace talks with the dissident group in mid 2024 in Venezuela, but the talks made little progress and have since been suspended. Uribe was the favored candidate of the right for the 2026 presidential elections. The attack in June stunned Colombia and raised fears of a return to the country's bloody past of political, cartel and paramilitary violence.
Khaleej Times
7 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Video: Dubai Police reunite inmate with her children after long separation
An emotional reunion recently brightened the life of a female inmate at the Correctional and Punitive Institutions in Dubai. Colonel Jamila Al Zaabi, Director of the Women's Prison, explained that the inmate had been noticeably withdrawn and isolated from the other inmates. When approached by the prison administration, she confided that she deeply missed her children and had not seen them for a long time. After learning her story, the administration worked swiftly to arrange a reunion. Watch what happened in the video below, posted by Dubai Police. The visit was a part of the 'Inmate Happiness' initiative, designed to ease the emotional burden on inmates during their sentences. Colonel Al Zaabi affirmed that the General Department of Correctional and Punitive Institutions is committed to fostering social and humanitarian efforts, including strengthening family ties for inmates. She added that such initiatives are key to building trust between police and society, reinforcing the values of compassion and tolerance, and providing meaningful support to both inmates and their families. The inmate thanked Dubai Police, saying she had always dreamed of seeing her children again.
Khaleej Times
14 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: Gang convicted for imitating police, stealing over Dh1.2 million
A gang of six people was found guilty of impersonating police officers, detaining the owner of a company, physically assaulting people and stealing a large sum of money. The gang, comprising a Gulf national and five Asians has been sentenced to three years in prison by the Dubai Court of First Instance — a ruling later upheld by the Court of Appeal and the Court of Cassation. The court also fined the group over Dh1.4 million and ordered the deportation of the Asian members following completion of their jail terms. According to court records, one of the accused, dressed in a kandura, arrived at the company and rang the bell, along with his accomplices. Upon entering, they claimed to be members of Dubai's Criminal Investigation Department. One of them quickly flashed a military ID before concealing it, after which three more individuals joined them inside the office. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. In his testimony, the company owner said that one of the accused assaulted him with help from the others. After which both his employee and him were physically restrained by an accused. The gang then stole Dh500,000 from the office safe and removed the storage unit containing surveillance footage. Another employee reported that during the assault, he arrived at the office carrying Dh1.2 million. The gang members attacked and tied him up before fleeing with the cash. The court found the evidence sufficient to convict all six individuals involved.
