A UAE-led international operation targeting environmental criminals in the Amazon has seen 839 suspects arrested and over $280 million in proceeds seized so far, in the largest interlocking crackdown on environmental crimes in the region ever. The operation was conducted over 17 days, with authorities from Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia taking part, reports Arutz Sheva.
Dubbed Green Shield 2026, the operation was launched in July as part of the UAE’s International Initiative for Law Enforcement for Climate (I2LEC), announced at COP28 in Dubai in partnership with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
The campaign focused on dismantling criminal networks involved in activities that threaten the Amazon’s ecosystems, including illegal exploitation of natural resources and other environmental offences.
Authorities conducted 1,045 field operations across the Amazon Basin, confiscating equipment, machinery and other assets linked to illicit environmental activities. Officials said the operation reflects growing international cooperation to tackle crimes that extend beyond national borders and pose long-term risks to biodiversity, climate resilience and sustainable development.
The results were announced by Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, who described the operation as evidence of the country’s ability to transform global partnerships into practical law enforcement outcomes. He said the initiative also demonstrates a shared commitment among participating countries to strengthen coordinated action against organised environmental crime.
The latest campaign significantly exceeded the results of a similar operation conducted in 2025, when authorities arrested 94 suspects and seized assets valued at more than $64 million. Officials said the expanded scale of this year’s mission highlights stronger regional collaboration and enhanced operational capabilities.
The UAE has increased its focus on climate-related initiatives in recent years, combining environmental policies with international security cooperation. Through I2LEC and other global partnerships, the country continues to support efforts aimed at protecting critical ecosystems while promoting collective action against crimes that threaten the environment and sustainable economic development.
