Latest news with #Enforcement
Al Etihad
08-07-2025
- Al Etihad
Operation Green Shield dismantles criminal networks in Amazon, seizes $64 million in assets
8 July 2025 19:38 ABU DHABI (WAM)In a major milestone for international environmental law enforcement, Operation Green Shield, led by the UAE Ministry of Interior through the International Initiative of Law Enforcement for Climate (I2LEC), succeeded in dismantling major criminal networks operating across the Amazon operation resulted in the arrest of 94 individuals and the seizure of illicit assets worth over $64 a two-week period, the operation – codenamed 'Green Shield' – carried out more than 350 field operations with the participation of over 1,500 officers in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and campaign was coordinated from a central command centre in Bogotá, and overseen strategically by the UAE Ministry of operation built on the success of Operation Green Justice in 2024, achieving deeper cooperation and real-time intelligence sharing, which enabled participating countries to secure even stronger results this year. Key outcomes included the seizure of over 310 tonnes of illegally extracted raw minerals, 61 tonnes of calcium oxide, and 3,800 cubic metres of illegally harvested timber, in addition to more than 39,000 gallons of smuggled fuel. Wildlife TraffickingThe operation also struck a significant blow to wildlife trafficking, with the rescue of over 2,100 live animals and the confiscation of 6,350 deceased specimens, including birds, lizards, and mammals. Authorities also seized 530 units of heavy equipment used in criminal activities, including bulldozers, trucks, and the most notable successes, Peruvian police dismantled the Los Depredadores del Oriente gang involved in wildlife trafficking, and rescued 1,400 live authorities in Colombia dismantled three organised crime groups and a cell linked to the Clan del Golfo, one of the country's most powerful criminal Colonel Dana Humaid Al Marzouqi, Director-General of the International Affairs Bureau at the UAE Ministry of Interior and Coordinator of the I2LEC Centre, praised the results and reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to leading climate-related law enforcement globally. She stated that Operation Green Shield stands as a landmark achievement in climate-focused international added, 'The scale and speed of the outcomes reflect not only the strength of regional cooperation but also the growing determination of governments to treat environmental crimes as a top security issue. From rescuing thousands of animals to disrupting illicit economies worth tens of millions of dollars, the outcomes of Operation Green Shield send a clear message about the power of coordinated enforcement. I2LEC remains committed to enabling countries to act, share intelligence, and achieve meaningful gains for our environment and future generations.' Advanced Tech The operation also demonstrated the critical role of advanced technology, with Esri's ArcGIS Mission tool enabling real-time location tracking and communication between teams in remote areas – strengthening field operations and supporting ongoing investigations and I2LEC Centre played a pivotal role in the success of the operation by coordinating the entire campaign, harmonising procedures between national forces, collecting and analysing field data, and providing essential technology and equipment to facilitate real-time information sharing and synchronised the successful campaign, I2LEC and its partners are analysing the collected data to develop long-term strategies to dismantle criminal networks and strengthen environmental governance in the region. Further seizures and arrests are expected as investigations continue in coordination with the operation's officials from partner countries praised the operation. Colonel Jorge Andrés Bernal Granada, Director of the Carabineers and Environmental Protection Directorate of Colombia's National Police, highlighted his country's leadership in environmental law enforcement and said, 'We have made tangible progress in combating illegal mining, fuel theft, and wildlife trafficking. Colombia is proud to be part of this international front to safeguard the integrity of the Amazon's ecosystems.'He added that this effort forms part of a broader strategy that enhances both environmental security and international cooperation against common threats, calling on allied nations, including the UAE, to continue fostering cooperation to protect the Amazon as a natural heritage for Patricio Iñiguez Sotomayor, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Ecuador's National Police, stated that Ecuador's first participation in an I2LEC-led initiative marks a pivotal step in combatting environmental crimes. He said, 'Thanks to the UAE's support through I2LEC, we successfully dismantled cross-border criminal groups profiting from environmental destruction.'General Manuel Elias Lozada Morales, Director of the Environment Division of Peru's National Police, expressed pride in participating for the second consecutive year in Operation Green Shield and extended his thanks to the UAE for its steadfast commitment to defending the Amazon affirmed that this international cooperation demonstrates how unity and joint action can effectively protect one of the world's most vital ecosystems, and ensure their preservation for future Madsen Arruda, General Coordinator for the Protection of the Amazon, Environment, and Historical and Cultural Heritage at Brazil's Federal Police, said this collaboration reflects Brazil's long-standing commitment to protecting its natural resources. He expressed pride in the country's efforts to disrupt criminal operations, particularly illegal gold mining, in remote areas of the Amazon. International Enforcement Operation Green Shield is the latest in a series of international enforcement campaigns led by I2LEC, a platform launched by the UAE Ministry of Interior in 2023 in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).I2LEC aims to enhance global law enforcement capabilities, promote international cooperation, and support climate objectives by targeting criminal economies that drive environmental degradation. Since its launch, I2LEC has trained over 2,000 officers, facilitated global operations, and served as a catalyst for unifying law enforcement agencies around a shared mission to protect the planet.
New Straits Times
07-07-2025
- New Straits Times
EAIC urges action against Johor fisheries officer over irregular vessel transfers
KUALA LUMPUR: The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) has recommended disciplinary action against a Johor Fisheries Department officer over irregular approvals involving the transfer of ownership and base for 10 trawler vessels. The approvals allegedly violated the federal government's Trawl Net Elimination Policy, which aims to phase out destructive fishing practices. In a statement today, the EAIC said investigations revealed clear procedural weaknesses in eight of the 10 approvals granted by the department. "The probe found that the applications were approved despite non-compliance with existing government policies," the commission said, adding that the investigation was conducted under subsection 27(4) of the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission Act 2009 (Act 700). Following its findings, the EAIC has referred the case to the Johor Fisheries Department disciplinary authority, with a recommendation that the officer be penalised for insubordination under Regulation 38 of the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993 [P.U. (A) 395/1993]. The alleged offence falls under Regulation 4(2)(i) for defying official directives. In a related matter, the commission said it would refer a separate investigation involving vessel ownership transfers that failed to comply with department policy and licensing conditions to the secretary-general of the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry. The second probe found that approvals had been granted to 'kenka' boats and for zone transfers that went against licensing circulars and existing fisheries policies The EAIC recommended that the department head be formally reprimanded to ensure stricter compliance and that all vessel approvals involved in the case be reviewed to guarantee transparency and adherence to official guidelines. "These recommendations are based on complaints received and investigations conducted in accordance with subsection 27(4) of Act 700," the statement said.
The Sun
02-07-2025
- The Sun
EAIC finds Sabah NRD officer delayed child IC application unreasonably
PUTRAJAYA: The Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) has revealed that there was an unreasonable delay by an investigating officer of the Sabah National Registration Department (NRD) in handling a child's new identity card application. The EAIC, in a statement, said the delay reflected a failure to carry out duties properly, taking too long to initiate an investigation and demonstrating inefficiency in managing the case. 'This action is also inconsistent with the NRD's Code of Ethics, which outlines the need for strong commitment and readiness to perform duties responsibly and diligently within a set timeframe while ensuring quality,' the statement said. Following this, the EAIC has decided to refer its investigation findings to the NRD Disciplinary Authority, recommending disciplinary action under Regulation 38 of the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993 [P.U.(A) 395/1993] for inefficiency provided for under Regulation 4(2)(e) of the same regulations. In addition to disciplinary action, the commission proposed several improvements, including revising work procedures and enhancing standard operating procedures, particularly by establishing a clear timeframe for officers to carry out investigations effectively. The EAIC also recommended the formation of a 'Flying Squad' at the NRD headquarters in Putrajaya to identify the causes of backlog cases, whether due to the attitude of officers involved or other factors contributing to non-compliance with established procedures and guidelines. Previously, the EAIC received a complaint against a Sabah NRD officer who was alleged to have failed to take appropriate action on the complainant's child's new identity card application. Following the complaint, an investigation was conducted under subsection 27(4) of the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission Act 2009 [Act 700].
The Hindu
23-06-2025
- The Hindu
Excise dept. crackdown on adulterated liquor ahead of Bonalu
The Telangana Excise Department has ramped up its efforts to curb the sale and distribution of Non-Duty Paid Liquor (NDPL) and adulterated alcohol in Rangareddy division, with strict directives issued to enforcement teams to act decisively. Excise Deputy Commissioner P. Dasarath, during a review meeting held on Monday, stressed the need for intensified inspections and swift resolution of pending cases. He directed officials to maintain heightened vigilance during Bonalu, where liquor consumption traditionally spikes, and ordered that NDPL and spurious liquor be strictly barred from reaching the public. 'There is a growing influx of liquor from Delhi and Haryana into Hyderabad and Rangareddy. Our teams must monitor this closely and take immediate action against illegal movement and usage, particularly at public gatherings and functions,' Deputy Commissioner Dasarath said. Emphasising the importance of eliminating NDPL to meet State-mandated sales targets, the Deputy Commissioner instructed enforcement teams, station staff, and DTF units to intensify on-ground checks and coordinate with licenced vendors. He also called for greater stock preparedness by legal liquor traders in anticipation of increased demand during the festival period. The Deputy Commissioner further directed excise stations to expedite legal proceedings, including charge sheet filings, arrest of absconding accused, disposal of seized vehicles, and the closure of long-pending cases. Present at the review meeting were Assistant Commissioner R. Kishan, along with Excise Superintendents K. Vijay (Malkajgiri), NK Fayazuddin (Medchal), Ujwala Reddy (Saroornagar), and Vijaya Bhaskar Goud (Vikarabad), as well as Assistant Excise Superintendents, Circle Inspectors, and members from the Enforcement and DTF wings.
Yahoo
22-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Carrier revocations overachievement illustrates increasing market vulnerability
Chart of the Week: Carrier Details Net Revocations – USA SONAR: Carrier Net Revocations—which measure how many truckload operators (businesses) are exiting the industry—have remained unseasonably elevated throughout the first half of the year. The current pace of exits is 16% higher than during the same period in 2024. Although new authority issuances have increased this year, they've stumbled in recent weeks as new enforcement behaviors and processes may be creating additional barriers to entry. The U.S. truckload market remains a challenging landscape for many carriers and 3PLs, with demand still too low to support stable business operations. While there has been marginal improvement over the past several years, it hasn't been enough to push rates high enough to support the current level of capacity. Many structural issues persist, raising the risk of capacity falling to critically low levels. Tender rejection rates (OTRI) — which measure how often carriers decline shipper requests for capacity — have been steadily rising since May 2023. This trend indicates declining carrier availability. In weaker markets, carriers are generally more willing to accept freight, so rising rejection rates in a down market carry more weight. Spot rates (NTIL), traditionally used to gauge truckload market health, have followed a similar upward trajectory. However, rates can be a noisy metric, as fluctuations in haul lengths and inflationary cost inputs can distort the picture. While spot rates are flat year-over-year, operating costs have risen—making profitability more elusive. Diesel prices have declined, offering a rare relief. (Note: fuel costs are excluded from the charted rate index.) In May, the president issued new guidance on enforcing english language proficiency at a state level for drivers. While the specifics of enforcement remain unclear, the move could create additional hurdles for new entrants. Additionally, efforts to crack down on CDL fraud have intensified, with stricter vetting processes further raising the bar for prospective drivers. Tender volumes (OTVI) are down approximately 10–15% compared to this time last year. While much of this decline stems from mode shift—particularly in long-haul freight moving to intermodal—recent trends suggest that overall demand may also be softening. Beyond the obvious issue of lower demand undermining core business, inconsistent volume makes it harder for carriers to maintain balanced networks, often requiring months to realign. All these factors point to growing systemic risk in the trucking industry as capacity continues to exit the market. Historically, every major market flip has had a catalyst, but each was preceded by recession-like conditions within the freight space. The 2017 market boom followed a year and a half of softness. The pandemic surge came after a deep freight recession in 2019. Today's downturn is one of the longest and most severe on record. The market may have flipped already if not for supply chain lessons learned during COVID and the broader economic uncertainty. Market inflections are inherently difficult to predict, but the sustained pace of carrier revocations signals that supply is rapidly converging with demand. The FreightWaves Chart of the Week is a chart selection from SONAR that provides an interesting data point to describe the state of the freight markets. A chart is chosen from thousands of potential charts on SONAR to help participants visualize the freight market in real time. Each week a Market Expert will post a chart, along with commentary, live on the front page. After that, the Chart of the Week will be archived on for future reference. SONAR aggregates data from hundreds of sources, presenting the data in charts and maps and providing commentary on what freight market experts want to know about the industry in real time. The FreightWaves data science and product teams are releasing new datasets each week and enhancing the client experience. To request a SONAR demo, click here. The post Carrier revocations overachievement illustrates increasing market vulnerability appeared first on FreightWaves.
