The role of technology and AI in combatting environmental crime

Understanding environmental crime  

Environmental crime is a growing concern, as it includes a wide range of activities that have serious, long-lasting impacts. These crimes can harm ecosystems, threaten wildlife and disrupt the balance of natural resources. Because of the complexity and scope of these offences, environmental crimes are governed by various laws and are policed by a network of agencies at local, state, and federal levels across Australia. Some common environmental offences in Australia include: 

• Contamination of air, land and water 

• Illegal disposal of hazardous and other waste 

• Illegal fishing 

• Illegal trade in plants and animals 

• Illegal logging and timber trade 

• Water theft 

These crimes are covered under a variety of laws, such as the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, Fisheries Management Act 1991 and the Biosecurity Act 2015, which provide a framework for investigating and prosecuting such offences. 

While some of these offences produce immediate, disastrous effects, others may seem less harmful at first glance but can lead to long-term damage that’s just as severe. Investigating these crimes presents several challenges that hinder enforcement, often due to the complexity and scope of these offences. Take illegal fishing, for example. This encompasses a wide range of offences, from taking protected species to fishing in restricted zones. It also includes exceeding fish quotas, using unauthorised equipment, and possessing or selling illegally caught fish. And it’s not just limited to Australian citizens – foreign nationals fishing illegally in Australian waters are also committing environmental crimes. 

Capturing evidence in the field 

One of the most challenging aspects of environmental crime investigations is the collection of evidence, as these offences often occur in remote or difficult-to-access areas. Additionally, much of the evidence (e.g., illegal logging sites, wildlife remains, pollution levels) may be dynamic or fleeting, requiring prompt collection and documentation. 

The role of technology in evidence collection 

In the past, collecting evidence in the field meant physical documentation and witness statements. Today, technology plays a key role in making investigations more efficient and comprehensive. 

• Drones: These can be used to capture aerial footage of illegal logging or poaching activities, offering investigators a broader perspective and helping them monitor activities in real time. 

• Cameras and GPS systems: Investigators can document locations, animals involved, and ongoing criminal activities with precision, ensuring accuracy in evidence collection. 

• Body-worn cameras: Increasingly used by environmental investigators, body-worn cameras provide real-time documentation of environmental crime scenes, capturing interactions with offenders and witness interviews. These devices enhance accountability, reduce disputes, and ensure high-quality evidence collection, particularly in volatile situations. 

• Mobile apps for field notes: Investigators are increasingly using mobile applications to record field notes, capture photographic evidence, and tag GPS locations in real time. These apps streamline the reporting and inspections and enable seamless data sharing between teams and agencies. Digital field notes also enhance accuracy, ensuring key observations are time-stamped and securely stored for later analysis.  

How AI is transforming environmental crime investigations 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly playing a significant role in environmental crime investigations by taking over repetitive tasks, sorting through massive amounts of data, and spotting trends that would take humans far too long to find. Here’s how AI is making a difference:  

Predictive analytics 

AI can analyse historical data and environmental trends to predict where and when crimes might occur. For instance, AI models can assess satellite imagery over time to detect early signs of illegal deforestation or identify patterns in fishing activity that suggest overfishing or poaching. By recognising these trends, authorities can proactively deploy resources to potential hotspots, preventing crimes before they escalate. 

Data integration and analysis 

AI can integrate various sources of data, from field reports to satellite imagery, and analyse them to provide a comprehensive overview of environmental crimes in a given area. This allows investigators to see the broader picture and identify connections between different criminal activities, such as the illegal trade of animal parts and deforestation. 

Automated evidence mapping and briefs of evidence  

AI is also streamlining the investigative process by handling the time-consuming task of exhibit analysis. Instead of manually reviewing thousands of exhibits and case files, AI can rapidly scan and extract crucial details. For instance, Comtrac’s AI features significantly reduce the time required to analyse evidence, making it easier to issue sanctions such as notices to produce, warning letters, or even compile full briefs of evidence for prosecution teams. 

This not only accelerates investigations but also minimises human error, ensuring critical details are not overlooked. By automating these complex processes, investigators can focus their efforts on high-impact tasks, ultimately improving enforcement outcomes.  

The future of environmental crime investigations 

As technology continues to evolve, law enforcement agencies and environmental regulators must stay ahead of criminal enterprises that exploit natural resources for financial gain. AI and other technological tools provide a promising way to enhance investigative capabilities, improve response times, and ensure that those who commit environmental crimes are held accountable. 

By integrating AI, mobile apps for field documentation and other technology into investigations, authorities can better protect the environment and ensure that illegal activities do not go unchecked. The battle against environmental crime is complex, but with the right tools and strategies, we can make significant progress toward safeguarding our planet for future generations. 

Russell Hunter  
Regulatory Investigations Specialist  

Comtrac is proud to partner with the Australasian Environmental Law Enforcement and Regulators neTwork (AELERT) supporting their activities that facilitate cross-jurisdictional collaboration and innovation that solves common regulatory problems and emerging challenges.