US, SA partner to combat finance of wildlife trafficking

Following talks between South African officials and US Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen relating to combatting illicit finance linked to the illegal wildlife trade, a task force has been formed. Yellen said to protect wildlife populations from further poaching and to disrupt the associated illicit trade, “we must follow the money” as is done with other serious crimes. “This includes identifying and seizing the proceeds generated from the illegal wildlife trade and impeding the money laundering and cross-border transactions of the transnational criminal organisations often involved in—and who benefit from—corruption,” she said. US President Joe Biden underlined during the US-Africa Leaders’ Summit in December 2022, that the world’s biggest economy is committed to working with South Africa and other African countries to address global challenges.