Illegal wildlife trafficking is one of the world’s most profitable black markets, valued at an estimated 20 billion dollars annually. Increasingly, traffickers rely on digital platforms and global supply chains to move endangered species across borders with little oversight. But new tools are helping investigators stay one step ahead.

Earlier this year, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) was conducting a broad investigation into online wildlife trafficking networks. As part of their effort, they used Quantifind’s AI-powered risk intelligence platform to uncover critical new leads.

In June 2025, the team identified a trafficking group operating in the Middle East with ties to Central Africa, a region known for sourcing animals for the illegal live pet trade. One individual, referred to here as Marcel, had previously appeared in open-source investigations linked to bird trafficking, including the endangered African Grey Parrot. Investigators had Marcel’s name and the names of two companies with which he had been associated, but had limited evidence to pursue further.

That’s where Quantifind played a key role.

Bringing Hidden Risk to Light

The team used Quantifind to search for variations of Marcel’s name and his associated businesses. The platform quickly returned results that advanced the investigation:

  • The company names appeared to be fraudulent or nonexistent, a common tactic used by traffickers who mimic legitimate businesses to avoid scrutiny.
  • Regional media sources from Africa linked Marcel to recent wildlife trafficking investigations, including a conviction that had not been uncovered in previous research.

This intelligence gave the team new insight and confidence to take the next step.

Turning Insight Into Action

With this new information, IFAW alerted international partners about Marcel’s activities and expanded their investigation. Quantifind’s capabilities, including risk scoring, name variant detection, and access to hard-to-find media, helped the team act quickly and decisively.

Although the case remains active and sensitive details cannot be disclosed, the results so far show how technology can be a powerful force in fighting organized crime.

A Broader Impact

Cases like this highlight how modern tools can support frontline organizations working to disrupt illegal networks. With more updates expected soon, this investigation represents a meaningful step forward in protecting endangered wildlife.

 

Want to see how Quantifind helps investigators surface risk signals others miss. Let’s talk.