Uncovering wildlife trafficking and animal exploitation

Pictured Richard Kinzler Chairman with Nick Bruschi & Manny Mvula at The Powell-Cotton Museum

The UN and INTERPOL have estimated that ‘eco-crime’ is worth $91-258 billion in 2016, the world’s fourth largest criminal industry, with wildlife trafficking alone worth approximately US$7-23 billion. Nick Bruschi is the Investigation Advisor in the Investigation and Evidence Team at World Animal Protection, a global animal welfare organization active in more than 50 countries.
The team are highly experienced at uncovering animal cruelty across Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas. They work with enforcement agencies against wildlife crime, and advocate for animal protection in forums such as the United Nations. Nick will focus on the challenges faced by those responsible for fighting the illegal wildlife trade and how the syndicates themselves operate.
Nick highlight how the poaching and smuggling of so-called non-charismatic species – pangolins, parrots and tortoises – is no less important than the higher profile ivory crisis to understanding criminal methods, from exploiting poverty to bribing customs, and practising sophisticated tradecraft. Nick is also a Visiting Research Associate at King’s College London, where he obtained an MA in Conflict, Security and Development. He lectures on the nexus between climate and warfare, as well as the illegal wildlife trade, for the Marjan Centre for the Study of War and the Non-Human Sphere.