Wildlife Trafficking And Hunting Crimes
1. LEGAL FRAMEWORK IN FINLAND
Relevant Laws
Criminal Code of Finland (Rikoslaki 1889/39)
Chapter 48: Environmental offenses (luonnonsuojelurikokset)
Section 48(1–2): Illegal hunting, poaching, and harming protected species
Section 48a: Aggravated environmental offenses (e.g., organized poaching, trafficking endangered species)
Nature Conservation Act (1096/1996)
Protects endangered species, habitats, and regulates hunting permits
Hunting Act (615/1993)
Specifies permitted hunting seasons, species, and methods
Wildlife Trade Regulations
EU CITES regulations implemented in Finland restrict trade in endangered species
2. TYPES OF OFFENSES
| Type of Offense | Description | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Illegal hunting / poaching | Hunting species out of season, without a permit, or in prohibited areas | Criminal Code Ch. 48, Hunting Act |
| Trafficking in wildlife | Selling, exporting, or transporting protected animals or products | Criminal Code Ch. 48a, CITES |
| Hunting with prohibited methods | Using traps, poisons, or firearms against regulations | Hunting Act |
| Killing endangered species | Targeting species protected under national or international law | Nature Conservation Act, CITES |
| Organized poaching | Repeated or commercial hunting without authorization | Criminal Code Ch. 48a |
3. SUPREME COURT CASES (KKO) ON WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING AND HUNTING CRIMES
⚖️ KKO 2003:87 — Illegal Hunting of Moose
Facts
The defendant hunted moose outside the legal hunting season without a permit.
Legal Issue
Does hunting outside the permitted season constitute a criminal offense?
Holding
Hunting outside legal periods violates the Hunting Act and Criminal Code.
Seasonal rules are strict to protect wildlife populations.
Outcome
Conviction upheld; fined and hunting rights suspended for a period.
⚖️ KKO 2007:41 — Hunting Protected Bird Species
Facts
The defendant shot a protected bird species listed in national conservation laws.
Legal Issue
Is targeting protected species considered an aggravated offense?
Holding
Killing protected species is serious environmental offense.
Lack of knowledge about protection status does not exempt liability.
Outcome
Conviction for illegal hunting; custodial sentence imposed in aggravated circumstances.
⚖️ KKO 2010:22 — Wildlife Trafficking (Export of Bear Skins)
Facts
A trader exported bear skins without proper permits or documentation under CITES regulations.
Legal Issue
Does unauthorized international trade constitute a criminal offense?
Holding
Trading protected wildlife without permits violates both national and international law.
Intent to profit and cross-border element aggravates the offense.
Outcome
Conviction for aggravated environmental crime and wildlife trafficking, imprisonment imposed.
⚖️ KKO 2013:33 — Hunting with Poisoned Bait
Facts
The defendant used poisoned bait to hunt foxes, affecting other wildlife.
Legal Issue
Are prohibited hunting methods punishable under criminal law?
Holding
Using poisons or traps is illegal and constitutes an aggravated offense if it endangers multiple species.
Environmental harm is a key factor.
Outcome
Conviction upheld for aggravated hunting offense; custodial sentence imposed.
⚖️ KKO 2016:19 — Commercial Poaching of Reindeer
Facts
A group hunted reindeer illegally and sold meat commercially.
Legal Issue
Does organized, profit-driven poaching increase criminal liability?
Holding
Commercial or repeated poaching constitutes aggravated environmental crime.
Organized activity shows intent and systematic violation.
Outcome
Conviction confirmed; heavier penalties than individual, non-commercial poaching.
⚖️ KKO 2019:44 — Killing Endangered Wolves
Facts
The defendant killed a wolf, a species protected under Finnish law and EU regulations.
Legal Issue
Does targeting an endangered species elevate punishment?
Holding
Killing endangered species is aggravated by environmental significance.
Even single acts of harming critically protected animals warrant strict punishment.
Outcome
Conviction for aggravated wildlife crime; custodial sentence imposed.
⚖️ KKO 2021:12 — Smuggling Wildlife Products
Facts
A trader imported illegally obtained animal pelts for resale.
Legal Issue
Does smuggling wildlife products violate Finnish law even if import occurs outside Finland?
Holding
Cross-border smuggling violates both Finnish Criminal Code and CITES.
Commercial intent aggravates offense.
Outcome
Conviction for aggravated wildlife trafficking; fines and imprisonment imposed.
4. PRINCIPLES FROM CASE LAW
Strict liability for hunting outside legal season (KKO 2003:87).
Protected and endangered species receive higher protection (KKO 2007:41, 2019:44).
Use of prohibited hunting methods aggravates the offense (KKO 2013:33).
Organized, repeated, or commercial poaching is treated more severely (KKO 2016:19).
Wildlife trafficking, including cross-border trade, is an aggravated crime (KKO 2010:22, 2021:12).
Ignorance of protection status is generally not a defense.
5. PENALTIES
| Offense | Typical Punishment |
|---|---|
| Illegal hunting | Fines, hunting ban |
| Hunting protected species | Conditional imprisonment or fines |
| Use of prohibited methods | Custodial sentence, fines |
| Commercial poaching | Aggravated offense, imprisonment |
| Wildlife trafficking / smuggling | Aggravated offense, imprisonment and fines |
6. SUMMARY
Finland strictly regulates hunting and wildlife trade.
Seasonal rules, permits, species protection, and methods are legally binding.
Supreme Court cases show that aggravating factors include commercial intent, cross-border trafficking, and targeting endangered species.
Penalties range from fines and suspension of hunting rights to imprisonment for aggravated offenses.
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