Illegal wildlife trafficking, worth an estimated $20bn annually, has become increasingly reliant on digital platforms and complex global supply chains.
These networks allow traffickers to smuggle endangered species across borders with limited oversight, making it difficult for authorities to intervene, claims Quantifind.
Earlier this year, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) launched an extensive investigation into online wildlife trafficking operations. To strengthen their efforts, the organisation leveraged Quantifind’s AI-powered risk intelligence platform, which provided vital insights that transformed the case.
By June 2025, IFAW had identified a trafficking ring operating between the Middle East and Central Africa, a region known as a hub for sourcing animals for the illegal live pet trade. Among the suspects was Marcel, previously linked to endangered bird trafficking cases, including African Grey Parrots. Although investigators had his name and connections to two companies, they lacked the evidence needed to escalate the case.
Quantifind’s technology proved crucial in uncovering the missing links. Investigators used the platform to search for variations of Marcel’s name and his associated businesses. The tool quickly revealed the companies were likely fraudulent, a common strategy among traffickers mimicking legitimate enterprises to evade detection. Furthermore, regional African media sources tied Marcel to recent trafficking investigations and even uncovered a prior conviction missed in earlier research.
Armed with this intelligence, IFAW promptly alerted international partners, enabling them to widen the investigation. Quantifind’s risk scoring, name variant detection, and access to hard-to-find media sources gave authorities the confidence to act swiftly and decisively.
While the investigation remains active and sensitive information cannot yet be disclosed, the results illustrate the power of advanced analytics in tackling organised crime.
More broadly, the case highlights how AI-driven platforms like Quantifind can support organisations on the frontlines of environmental crime, helping protect endangered species from exploitation.
Copyright © 2025 RegTech Analyst
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