ILLICIT TIMBER

Trafficking in illicit timber threatens biodiversity, the habitats of endangered species, climate and is often linked to transnational organized crime and terrorism. Illegal deforestation and the trafficking of timber finance organized crime and result in widespread consequences for the environment, economy and society.

The Container Control Programme (CCP) Law Enforcement Assistance Programme to Reduce Tropical Deforestation (LEAP) seeks to share expertise and build networks to assist Member States in the fight against illegal deforestation and related crimes.

CCP-LEAP assists Member States by supporting law enforcement in key countries across Latin America and South East Asia. It is vital to ensure that law enforcement authorities can identify illicit timber and understand the nuances of this enormously profitable illicit industry.

How do we help?

A holistic approach to secure the maritime trade supply chain from criminal infiltration, through partnerships, capacity building, operational activities and innovative technologies.

1. Strengthening inter-agency cooperation, building capacity for law enforcement agencies, and successfully prosecuting cases through supporting backtracking investigations.

2. Targetting intervention at all stages of the containerized trade supply chain, supported by intelligence and information.

3. Building partnerships through linking and involving relevant criminal justice officials and private sector stakeholders.

Results

Support provided to national targeting centers, timber task forces and other national initiatives in Peru, Brazil, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
Operational activities conducted in cooperation with INTERPOL.

Partnerships/networks established to exchange information on risk indicators, modus operandi and trafficking routes, e.g., with shipping lines (MAERSK, MSC), freight forwarders (FIATA), NGOs (TRAFFIC, EIA, WRI).
Assistance provided in actual cases of timber identification in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia.
Backtracking investigations and evidence handling through regular communication and interaction.
Training and mentoring conducted in ports in Malaysia, Viet Nam, Indonesia, Papua Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Ecuador, Brazil and Colombia.
Customs only and joint training delivered, with prosecution and other relevant law enforcement agencies.
“Best Practice Guide for Timber Shipment Inspections” handbook published, for operational law enforcement officers with essential information on risk analysis, inspection of timber shipments, and wood identification.
Wood Identification training module produced: an online learning tool to support theoretical and practical training on wood ID.

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CCP Illicit Timber activities are currently supported by:

United Nations

Office on Drugs and Crime

ILLICIT TIMBER

How do we help?

Results