The Environmental Crimes Program
Overview
The Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Commercial Fraud Unit manages the environmental crimes program. This program targets illegal activities like the trade of endangered and invasive species, importation of non-compliant vehicles and machinery, and the handling of environmentally hazardous substances.
Wildlife Trafficking
HSI focuses on stopping the illegal trade of protected and endangered species. Under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, it’s illegal to import, export, or trade endangered species within the U.S. or across its borders. HSI works alongside the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service to enforce these laws. They use their customs authority to prosecute those who smuggle wildlife. HSI is also part of the Presidential Task Force on Combating Wildlife Trafficking, which aims to develop strategies against wildlife trafficking and include it in broader efforts against transnational organized crime.
Non-Compliant Vehicles and Equipment
HSI investigates the illegal import of vehicles, farm equipment, and engines that dodge U.S. Department of Transportation and Environmental Protection Agency standards for safety and emissions. These items are often smuggled into the U.S. to avoid compliance.
African Grey Parrot
Illegal Importation
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Environmentally Hazardous Materials
HSI enforces laws protecting air, land, and water from pollution. They focus on illegal imports and exports of hazardous waste, chemicals, pesticides, and substances that deplete the ozone layer, often working with the EPA and the Department of Transportation.
Food and Seafood Fraud
HSI tackles the illegal import and export of banned or contaminated food products and investigates seafood fraud. This includes enforcing standards to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, a significant focus of a Presidential Task Force launched in 2014. While the U.S. Coast Guard and NOAA primarily handle IUU fishing, HSI contributes by investigating related seafood fraud and leveraging its international presence to gather evidence from abroad.