Environmental crimes can be defined as illegal actions with negative, harming impact on the
Environment. They include: poaching and illegal trade in wildlife, smuggling and use of ozone depleting substances (ODS) which cause environmental pollution, illicit trade in and disposal of hazardous waste, illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing and illegal logging and the associated trade in stolen timber. Environmental crimes by their very nature are trans-boundary   and   involve   cross-border   criminal   syndicates.   It   is   vastly   expanding   and increasingly endangering wildlife populations, the entire ecosystems, sustainable livelihoods and affecting revenue streams to Governments.

Criminal networks and organized criminal groups are becoming increasingly interested in such illicit   transnational   activities.  This   phenomena   fuels   corruption, money-laundering and undermines   the   rule   of   law.   The   enforcement   of   environmental   laws   and   regulations   is   an important ingredient in protecting the environment and reducing environmental harm.