Two Reports, One Global Warning:
Forest crime is not just about trees
Two new reports show how forest crime is a cross-border threat, exploiting loopholes in both producer and consumer nations.
FOREST CRIME: Deforestation in Indonesia. Photo: Forest Heroes
By Rainforest Foundation Norway.
In April 2025, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) released a landmark report titled Global Analysis on Crimes that Affect the Environment Part 2a: Forest Crimes: Illegal Deforestation and Logging. This is the most comprehensive global assessment to date on the scale, actors, methods, and enablers of illegal deforestation and logging.
"The UNODC report reinforces what we see in Papua New Guinea: Illegal logging and deforestation are not isolated environmental issues; they are driven by powerful transnational networks exploiting weak governance, corruption, and targeting Indigenous Peoples' lands. This is organized crime operating in the forests. Efforts to halt illegal logging must address financial flows, governance gaps, and ensure justice for affected communities", says Aina Grødahl, Senior Policy Adviser in Rainforest Foundation Norway.
Forest crime not just about trees
The report underlines that forest crime is not just about trees; it is deeply intertwined with organized crime, corruption, violence, and other serious offenses. The findings are based on global data, case studies, and collaboration with member states and experts.
“This shows that our work to stop deforestation in Papua New Guinea and beyond is more urgent now than ever. We need stronger laws, corporate accountability, and international cooperation, as recommended by UNODC”, continues Grødahl.
New evidence shows widespread wrongdoing
Earlier this month, a report on The FCA Logging Scandal provided fresh evidence of these patterns in Papua New Guinea.
The island of New Guinea, shared between Papua New Guinea and Indonesia, is home to the world’s third-largest contiguous rainforest and is the world’s most botanically diverse island. It is vital to global climate stability and supports millions of rural livelihoods.
Yet, despite decades of promises for reform, PNG has become the world’s largest exporter of tropical logs, most of which are at high risk of being harvested illegally, according to the new report. The report documents systematic abuse in both the approval processes and post-approval logging operations, with case studies showing widespread fraud, manipulation of landowner consent, and violations of legal requirements.
“The illegal logging is widespread and pervasive. It not only denies the rights of the indigenous people and destroys the environment, but it also fuels money laundering and corruption, and is linked to gun running, human trafficking, and drug smuggling. Combatting these crimes needs international cooperation, concerted efforts by law enforcement agencies, and much tighter trade regulations.”
Eddie Tanago, Campaign Manager, Act Now! Photo: Inside PNG
Global Analysis on Crimes that Affect the Environment Part 2a: Forest Crimes: Illegal Deforestation and Logging.
Key findings:
- Linked to other crimes: Forest crime is often connected to drug trafficking, illegal mining, and human trafficking, especially in Latin America, where the term "narco-deforestation" is used.
- Infiltration of legal processes: Illegal timber enters supply chains through fraudulent permits, corruption, and loopholes, making it hard to detect once mixed with legal products.
- Mixed effects of regulations: Regulations in the EU, US, and China have reduced illegal trade, but also pushed activities into weaker jurisdictions, giving rise to new laundering strategies (e.g., blending timber with other materials).
- Diverse actors: From organized crime groups to seemingly legitimate companies, some knowingly, others by negligence.
- Manipulation of land-use and permits: Bribery, violence, and fraud are used to secure permits or reclassify land, including false assessments, intimidation, and use of proxy companies.
- Tropical forests under siege: 91% of global deforestation since 1990 has occurred in tropical regions. An estimated 42% of commercial agriculture-driven deforestation is illegal.
- Growing demand, growing risk: Timber production is booming, potentially fueling even more forest crime unless addressed.
Key recommendations:
- Strengthen inter-agency cooperation (environment, police, labor, finance)
- Boost monitoring, enforcement, and supply chain traceability
- Tighten and regularly review regulations
- Ensure tailored responses and support to local communities
- Increase global information sharing and cooperation
Contact:
Aina Grødahl
Senior Policy Adviser, Indonesia and PNG Program
(+47) 936 41 761
aina@rainforest.no