1. Combating transnational organized crime by linking multiple large ivory seizures to the same dealer
- Author
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Frankie Thomas Sitam, Moses Otiende, Samuel K. Wasser, John Buckleton, Amy Torkelson, Misa Winters, Bruce S. Weir, Yves Horeaux, and Sean Tucker
- Subjects
0106 biological sciences ,0301 basic medicine ,03 medical and health sciences ,030104 developmental biology ,Multidisciplinary ,business.industry ,World trade ,Organised crime ,Business ,International trade ,010603 evolutionary biology ,01 natural sciences ,Interconnectedness - Abstract
Rapid growth in world trade has enabled transnational criminal networks to conceal their contraband among the 1 billion containers shipped worldwide annually. Forensic methods are needed to identify the major cartels moving the contraband into transit. We combine DNA-based sample matching and geographic assignment of tusks to show that the two tusks from the same elephant are often shipped by the same trafficker in separate large consignments of ivory. The paired shipments occur close in time from the same initial place of export and have high overlap in the geographic origins of their tusks. Collectively, these paired shipments form a linked chain that reflects the sizes, interconnectedness, and places of operation of Africa’s largest ivory smuggling cartels.
- Published
- 2018