THE ROLE OF CUSTOMS IN COMBATING ENVIRONMENTAL CRIME

Abstract

Environmental crime poses a serious threat to security in general, and to the
protection of the environment and nature in particular.
There are a number of illegal activities that greatly pollute all ecosystems,
water, soil and air, and thus can directly cause serious and severe
consequences for the health of the entire living world. As a result of
pollution and other harmful effects, human life is endangered, but also the
flora and fauna.Numerous bodies and institutions within their competencies
and authorities undertake measures and activities for prevention and
repression of environmental crimes. These include the criminal police,
uniformed police, inspectorates, judicial bodies, but customs also play an
important role in combating environmental crime, both nationally and
internationally. Namely, most often this type of crime is cross-border, with
international characteristics and that is why the Customs Administration of
the Republic of North Macedonia has an important role in finding out,
proving and clarifying these crimes.Internationally, a number of special
operations to combat environmental crimes are being undertaken by Interpol,
Europol, and the World Customs Organization. The authors of the paper review the environmental crime and the manner in
which the competent authorities in the Republic of North Macedonia are
engaged in its suppression, with special reference to the Customs
Administration, but also present information on the role of the World
Customs Organization in combating this type of crime.