Smuggling & Trade in Illicit Goods, Antiquities and Endangered Species

The global trade in endangered species, over 1.5 million transactions per year, will drive some species to extinction if the trade is not stopped. The cultural damage inflicted by the global trade in antiquities, valued over $20 billion, cannot be quantified but is all too easily understood.

Wildlife trafficking as a transnational crime is the 4th most lucrative illegal trade after narcotics, human trafficking, and counterfeiting.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has caused widespread global disruption, some central aspects of pandemic response - including lockdowns and travel restrictions - are also impacting wildlife poaching and trafficking supply chains.

Alarmingly, some areas have reported an increase in wildlife poaching due to reduced law enforcement patrols and losses of rural jobs during lockdowns.

Due to the large volumes of goods involved, coupled with a relatively minimal risk of detection and arrest, seaports are key transit gateways for illegal wildlife products. According to the Elephant Trade Information System, up to 72% of ivory is trafficked by sea.

So, what can the border community do to stem the flow and illegal trade of illicit goods, antiquities and endangered species?

In this webinar we will learn and understand the transnational threats and channels used by traffickers and what can be implemented to help combat this illegal trade.

Antiquities Smuggling as Transnational Threat Cast Studies
Orfeas-Konstantinos Sotiriou, National Centre for Public Administration and Local Government

Trafficking of Underwater Cultural Heritage
Peter Campbell, Assistant Director: British School at Rome

Internet and Dark Web in Antiquities Smuggling Phenomenon
Vassiliki Simi, MSc of Laws, International Law and Legal Studies, National School for Public Administration and Local Government student

Borderline” Exhibitions: Ephemeral Museum Displays as Tools for Raising Awareness Against Trafficking Of Antiquities
Katerina Koukouvaou, Archaeologist, Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports, General Directorate of Antiquities and Cultural Heritage, Directorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities

Education and Training Responding to Operational Needs and Practices in Law Enforcement Units : Cultural Heritage Protection
Angeliki Aloupi, Director of the Committee of Prevention and Management of Social Exclusion - Hellenic Community for Behavior Analysis