US imposes visa restrictions on wildlife traffickers in DR Congo

By Ovunc Kutlu

ANKARA (AA) - The US State Department announced Monday it has imposed visa restrictions on eight nationals involved in wildlife trafficking in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The individuals are believed to be, or have been, complicit in or involved in trafficking in wildlife, wildlife parts, or products, it said in a statement.

The agency identified wildlife trafficking as "a serious transnational crime" threatening national security, economic prosperity, the rule of law, long-standing conservation efforts, and human health.

"The DRC is a major hub for trafficked wildlife and wildlife products moving from Africa to Asia and the Middle East," it said. "This includes vast quantities of ivory and pangolin scales, as well as rhino horn, and endangered live animals such as chimpanzees, gorillas, and African grey parrots.

The department said its visa restrictions are designed to disrupt the movements and business of transnational criminal organizations involved in wildlife and timber trafficking by making it harder for them to smuggle illegal wildlife and timber.