Understanding wildlife crime through the offenders’ eyes: Finding solutions for the future – prisoner interviews in Indonesia

• In Event: Crimes that Affect the Environment - the Research of UNODC

Abstract

For the past 20 years, Indonesia has taken steps to increase its law enforcement efforts to address wildlife crime. This increase in law enforcement has led to a growing wildlife crime offender prison population. Indonesia is therefore exploring a policy of selective release of low-risk offenders, looking into alternatives to imprisonment to prevent wildlife crime and deter poachers and traffickers from participating in the illegal wildlife trade, such as through wildlife crime prevention, and restorative justice. To inform this process, this research conducted by UNODC in collaboration with the Indonesian Prison Service aimed to understand the circumstances and motivations of individuals convicted for wildlife crime offences in Sumatra: wildlife crime modus operandi, how offenders have adapted in response to counter-wildlife trafficking efforts, and why recidivism occurs. Another key component was to explore what deters offenders from engaging in illegal wildlife trade and how they adapt their behaviours to evade law enforcement interventions. Finally, the research aimed to explore recidivism potential to find indicators of who is at high risk of repeat offending and how best to target or tweak sanctions and enforcement tactics so these offenders do not return to illegal wildlife trade upon release.

Author

• Katalin Kecse-Nagy, UNODC