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Broadband fuelling illegal animal trade

A recent broadband study from the University of Canberra has revealed a boom in criminal gangs using broadband to illegally trade wildlife.

One of the most popular broadband sites, eBay, is proving a useful online tool for criminals who choose to become involved in such exploits.

Erika Alacs, author of the study, called for increased monitoring of broadband sites and broadband trading. She said: “We should increase [broadband] internet surveillance. The illegal trade of wildlife is one of the largest global black markets, on par with the illegal trade in drugs and guns and worth more than $US20 billion ($A29.3 billion) per year.”

Speaking about the increase in the illegal trade over broadband internet, she said: “Our unique and charismatic Australian wildlife is being plundered to end up as pets across the globe. The profits from this crime are huge and the penalties are not.”

Alacs pointed to attempts through broadband to smuggle the Oenpelli Python, which is worth about 40,000 Australian dollars on the black market.

“Our [Australian] laws are probably the toughest internationally but 70% of people are let off with a fine,” she said.

The number of seizures at airport customs has also taken a dramatic hike over the past few years according to the broadband study. While this may by indicative of improved measures to stop illegal wildlife trade getting through, it also suggests an increase in organised crime facilitated by broadband.

24/12/2008
Author: CompareBroadbandUK staff writer

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