DSI visited Madagascar to Coordinate Intelligence on Transnational Organized Wildlife Trafficking

DSI visited Madagascar to Coordinate Intelligence on Transnational Organized Wildlife Trafficking

Following the visit by the Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development of the Republic of Madagascar to Police Colonel Tawee Sodsong, the Minister of Justice of Thailand, discussions were held regarding the severity of transnational wildlife trafficking of local endangered species from Madagascar to Thailand. These operations are highly organized and systematic, highlighting the need for cooperation with the Ministry of Justice, particularly the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), which will handle the case. Madagascar has expressed its full commitment to support Thailand’s investigative efforts and its unwavering and determined cooperation to achieve justice in this matter.

Subsequently, Police Major Yutthana Praedam, Deputy Director-General and acting Director-General of the DSI, authorized a delegation from the Foreign Affairs and Transnational Crime Bureau to coordinate and exchange information regarding investigation case number 36/2567 in Madagascar from August 12 to 16, 2024. The visit was conducted at the invitation of the Malagasy Government and was overseen by Police Captain Piya Raksakul, Deputy Director-General of the DSI, and Police Captain Thinavudth Silapat, Director of the Foreign Affairs and Transnational Crime Bureau. The delegation included Mr. Khomkanit Phonghirun, Director of Transnational Crime Division 1; Mr. Nitirat Phasakornpinij, Senior Professional-Level Special Case Officer; and Mr. Suriyon Prabhasavat, Special Public Prosecutor.

The delegation also paid a courtesy call to H.E. Mr. Max Andonirina Fontaine, Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development of Madagascar, and Mrs. RANDRIAMANANTENASOA Landy Mbolatiana, Minister of Justice of Madagascar, along with representatives from the police and customs authorities involved in this case. 

Both sides discussed a collaborative framework for investigating and expanding the prosecution of a transnational organized wildlife trafficking case concerning both countries. Madagascar expressed appreciation for the DSI's and Thai authorities’ prioritization of this issue and affirmed its willingness to exchange information and cooperate internationally on criminal matters to advance prosecution efforts. Concerns were also expressed over the serious threats posed by transnational organized crime that have caused a significant decline in the populations of endangered wildlife species. Furthermore, the delegation discussed the procedures for returning the confiscated wildlife from Thailand to Madagascar. The Bureau of Foreign Affairs and Transnational Crime will coordinate with the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation and other relevant agencies to expedite the return of confiscated wildlife in compliance with applicable regulations and laws. This will include prompt morphological examinations and the collection of wildlife forensics to support legal proceedings.