Mizzima
Despite meaningful efforts by China to stem illegal timber trafficking from Myanmar, a sophisticated new criminal network is openly smuggling timber across the Myanmar-China border, according to the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA).
The syndicate named by EIA is headed by a Mr Da Shi Naw and involves at least five other sawmill owners in the processing and transportation of the timber, from which the military junta continues to benefit financially.
Scrutiny on the trade over the last decade and increasing action by Chinese authorities have led to the slow of illegal timber trafficking through the border town of Ruili in Yunnan province.
Action taken by the Chinese authorities included a seizure in August 2019 of more than 100,000 tonnes of wood worth tens of millions of dollars.
While enforcement in China has significantly affected the criminal syndicates in Myanmar almost halting illegal logging in Kachin State, criminal syndicates have now shifted operations to the Government-controlled Sagaing Division.
EIA alleges a significant cut of this money is being taken by the Myanmar Forest Department and military, who at various stages demand taxes, road fees and bribes.
The agency also outlined how the European Union, Asian and US-based traders’ further profit from this crime through illegal importation practises aimed at skirting regulations.
Following the military coup on 1 February, EIA alleges the Dazu syndicate had resumed operations on the China-Myanmar border and expanded to now include sawmills and warehouses to process timber, presumably on order from traders in China.
Further information indicates that a new syndicate is now involved in the processing and transporting of the timber led by Mr Da Shi Naw, this operation involves at least five other sawmill owners – Ah Chying, Ah Ba, Kawn Gam, Kyang Hpang and Sham Maw.
EIA argues that the sheer scale of this operation, "can only take place with the knowledge and involvement of the State.”
Since the 1 February coup, it has been impossible for timber monitors to continue working with local partners and Forest Department officials to strengthen forest governance. The agency has called on China to increase its monitoring and enforcement action.
