Operation STELLA MARIS

A Long-Term Intelligence Gathering Operation Against Shark Fin Trafficking and Crime Convergence

Operation STELLA MARIS is a pioneering long-term intelligence-gathering operation conducted by Earth League International (ELI) to combat the illegal trafficking of shark fins from Latin America to Asia. Launched in 2019, and still going, this comprehensive operation not only targets the unlawful trade of shark fins and other marine products but also delves into the interconnected web of crimes that support and sustain this illicit activity.

Funded by private donors, with a contribution from NOAA, the operation specifically targets trafficking routes from Latin America to Asia, regions identified as critical hotspots for the illegal shark fin trade. By concentrating on these key areas, ELI aims to disrupt the supply chain of shark fins, thereby contributing to the preservation of shark populations and the overall health of marine ecosystems.

Crime Convergence

A significant aspect of Operation STELLA MARIS is its focus on Environmental Crime Convergence—the intersection of environmental/wildlife crimes with other serious crimes. The operation investigates how shark fin trafficking networks are intertwined with other illicit activities, including human smuggling, money laundering, drugs trafficking, and corruption.

By addressing these interconnected crimes, Operation STELLA MARIS aims to provide a comprehensive overview of all the offenses committed by these individuals, thereby equipping law enforcement agencies with more actionable intelligence to tackle these networks on multiple fronts and through various legal frameworks

Main Objectives

The primary aim of Operation STELLA MARIS is to identify and investigate the most significant shark fin traffickers and their networks operating in the Americas. The operation seeks to:

 – Map Trafficking Networks: Conduct detailed mapping of the criminal networks involved in the international trade of shark fins and other marine products.

 – Identify Key Players: Find and investigate the most influential and high-ranking individuals within these trafficking organizations.

 – Investigate Crime Convergence: Explore the connections between shark fin trafficking and other criminal activities such as human smuggling, money laundering, drugs trafficking, and corruption.

 – Disrupt Operations: Implement strategic interventions to disrupt and dismantle trafficking networks.

 – Enhance Law Enforcement Collaboration: Provide critical intelligence to law enforcement agencies to support prosecutions and enforcement actions.

 – Strengthening Legal Frameworks: Informing policy-making and enhancing legal measures against wildlife trafficking.

Scope and Reach

Operation STELLA MARIS covers an extensive geographical area, including multiple countries in Latin America and key destinations in Asia. The operation employs advanced intelligence-gathering techniques, investigative operations, and international partnerships to ensure comprehensive coverage and effective disruption of trafficking activities.

Public report

In April 2024, ELI released the Public Report of Operation STELLA MARIS, providing a comprehensive overview of this long-term intelligence-gathering operation.

The report highlights 5 case studies covering 10 transnational criminal networks operating from Latin America to Asia, 33 Persons of Interest, including some of the most important shark fin international traffickers, and dozens of smuggling routes identified by ELI that illustrate the convergence of environmental and wildlife crime, specifically shark fin trafficking, with other serious crimes and expose the severity of the issue at a global scale. 

Confidential Intelligence Briefs for Law Enforcement & Government Authorities

In addition to the Public Report, Operation STELLA MARIS has produced numerous Confidential Intelligence Briefs (CIBs). These briefs are meticulously prepared and submitted to law enforcement authorities. The CIBs include:

• Names and personal information of Key Traffickers: Identifying the most important individuals involved in the shark fin trade.
• Network Mappings: Detailed charts and descriptions of trafficking networks and their operations.
• Modus Operandi: Comprehensive analysis of the methods used by traffickers to move and sell shark fins and other marine products.
• Concrete Evidence: Photographic documentation, undercover footage, and other evidence gathered during the investigation.
• Connections to Other Crimes: Information on how trafficking networks are involved in human smuggling, money laundering, drugs trafficking, and corruption