Executive Summary

We assess that illegal timber trade is a major contributor to environmental damage, deforestation, biodiversity loss, and thus climate change. A large demand for timber products has created a very lucrative market. Much of the world’s wood is sourced from regions with poor governance, lax regulations, and armed conflicts.

According to Interpol, the international trade in illegal, primary wood products is estimated to account for 15%–30% of global timber production, making it one of the world’s largest transnational crimes. Additionally, the income from this trade risks funding organized crime group operations and military conflicts. [source, source]

Images Sourced From: Save Bialowieza, Europol