'Rathkeale Rovers' gang a 'threat to global environmental security'

Environmental crime on the rise and illegal fishing presents rising danger, according to Europol report

Europol said the family-based Rathkeale Rovers gang moved into wildlife trafficking – particularly the lucrative trade in rhino horns – after being involved in 'drugs, cigarettes and counterfeiting'. File picture

Environmental crime networks such as the notorious Irish Rathkeale Rovers pose a “key threat” to global security, according to the EU police co-operation agency.

Europol said that these specialist organised crime gangs are threatening the survival of species and imposing “enormous” financial costs on society.