WASHINGTON, March 21 (UPI) -- Global illegal logging, mostly run by organized crime with profits going to corrupt officials, makes billions in profit for them, a World Bank report says.
The report titled "Justice for Forests" says the illegal logging brings organized gangs $10 billion to $15 billion.
Countries heavily hit by the activity include Indonesia, Madagascar and several in West Africa, the report said.
Attempts to battle illegal logging by targeting the gangs through the criminal justice system has been effective in many countries, and the World Bank is urging other countries to take similar action.
"We need to fight organized crime in illegal logging the way we go after gangsters selling drugs or racketeering," Jean Pesme, manager of the World Bank Financial Market Integrity team, told the BBC.
Even with increased efforts, the report said, "most forest crimes go undetected, unreported or are ignored."
Western countries, consumers and businesses can play a significant role in combating trade in illegal lumber and wood products, it said.
Three years ago the United States amended the Lacey Act, which requires U.S. companies to prove their wood comes from legal sources.
The European Union has introduced similar legislation.
