UAE-led "Green Shield" Operation Dismantles Criminal Networks in the Amazon, Seizes $64 Million in Assets

Green Shield

 UAE-led "Green Shield" Operation Dismantles Criminal Networks in the Amazon, Seizes $64 Million in Assets

In a powerful demonstration of international cooperation to protect the planet, the UAE Ministry of Interior has led a major international law enforcement operation, "Green Shield," successfully dismantling criminal networks operating in the Amazon and seizing assets worth $64 million.

The operation marks a significant milestone in the fight against environmental crime, particularly targeting illegal gold mining activities in remote parts of the Amazon rainforest. Renato Madsen Aruda, General Coordinator for the Protection of the Amazon, Environment, and Cultural Heritage at Brazil’s Federal Police, emphasized Brazil's strong commitment to safeguarding its natural resources. He expressed pride in the country's active role in disrupting environmentally destructive criminal operations.

"Green Shield" is the latest initiative under the International Initiative on Law Enforcement for Climate (I2LEC), launched by the UAE Ministry of Interior in 2023 in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). This global platform aims to bolster law enforcement capabilities worldwide, foster international collaboration, and contribute to climate goals by targeting environmental crimes that accelerate ecological damage.

Since its inception, I2LEC has trained over 2,000 officers, facilitated cross-border operations, and unified global law enforcement agencies under a shared mission: protecting the Earth for future generations.

This strategic collaboration between the UAE and Brazil underlines the growing recognition that environmental protection is inseparable from global security. The success of Operation Green Shield sets a precedent for how climate action and criminal justice can intersect to drive real change.