NEWS

Organized crime plays a key role in the world's loss of about 25 million acres of forests every year, according to new research. In South and Central America, criminals illegally log forests in the Amazon and hide cocaine in timber shipments to Europe. Other drug traffickers illegally log and raise cattle in protected areas in Central America to launder money and control drug-smuggling territory.

Resources:

• The Conversation: Organized crime is a top driver of global deforestation – along with beef, soy, palm oil and wood products
• Woodworking Network: Organized crime drives global deforestation

Photo © Jennifer Devine