Poachers are said to be making more from the illegal business, a Unep report has showed.
The report says poachers make billions through the killing of rhinos and elephants.
The report that was co-authored by Interpol, shows that the value of global environmental crime is 26 per cent larger than previous estimates.
It further indicates that the number of elephants killed since 2014 has risen
The study titled; Rise of Environmental Crime, further indicates that people are getting money through illegal exploitation of natural resources, terrorism, rebel groups and collaboration with international criminal cartels.
However, Unep executive director Achim Steiner said the findings indicate that weak laws and poorly funded security forces are a cause of the increased crimes.
He promised that Unep will continue working together with Interpol to bring enlighten the world on the dangers of such deeds.
His sentiments were echoed by Interpol boss Jürgen Stock who said environmental crime has grown at an alarming pace.