Last year, authorities in Vietnam indicted a total of 22 defendants for the crimes of smuggling, bribes, fraud and the abuse of public power related to the illegal trade of approximately $71 million worth of timber from January 2021 to January 2024. This case included 13,376 containers of wood veneers made from acacia, eucalyptus, rubberwood […]
Following the UK’s historic election, EIA welcomes new Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and urges his new Government to take a positive and proactive approach to forest protection
Today (21 June 2024) marks exactly three years since the EU joined the US in introducing measures to prevent Myanmar teak from reaching their markets. Yet, millions of euros worth of shipments of the timber have since entered both countries. Why is this still happening?
Corruption is a critical enabling factor behind the illegal wildlife trade and forest crime – it not only facilitates environmental crime, but is also a major impediment to law enforcement and criminal justice
... Teak is highly prized in luxury yacht building for its durability, water-repellent properties and elegant appearance. And as the best teak on Earth is found in Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), it may be assumed that it will have been used for the acres of decking on Bezos's yacht, although neither he nor Oceanco have confirmed it
The first successful criminal prosecutions under the EU Timber Regulation may be a turning point in meaningful enforcement of the law created to keep stolen and illicit timber out of the bloc’s markets.