INTERPOL's NEST: building capability and capacity to respond to transnational environmental crime

Abstract

The International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) is the international policing coordination body established to facilitate exchange of intelligence on crime and perpetrators across national borders. Through infrastructure, technical and operational support it assists its member countries to meet the growing challenges of fighting crime in the twenty-first century (INTERPOL no date b). Since 1992, and especially from 2008 onwards, INTERPOL has played an increasing role in assisting a variety of response agencies to deter, detect and disrupt environmental crime, with a particular emphasis on pollution and wildlife crime. In this time, INTERPOL has acted as a coordinating hub and conduit for building capability and capacity to respond effectively to this crime type, whether domestic or transnational.