Follow U.S. Investment Immigration and Life in the U.S.: The U.S. State Department will offer a reward of $1 million to combat criminal groups from Laos that specialize in poaching ivory and rhino horns.
This is the first time the U.S. State Department has offered a reward through the "Reward Program for Combating Organized Transnational Criminal Groups."
It is understood that the criminal group named Sezavang is headquartered in Laos, but operates in Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, China, Mozambique, and South Africa.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry stated that transnational criminal groups engaged in wildlife trafficking not only foster corruption but also threaten the rule of law and border security in vulnerable regions.
He said that poaching also destabilizes communities that "depend on wildlife to maintain biodiversity and eco-tourism."
Kerry estimates that profits from wildlife trafficking can reach between $8 billion and $10 billion annually. The criminal groups then use this money for illegal activities such as drug trafficking, arms dealing, and human trafficking.