October 23, 2009
Trees Fall To Graft
In Malaysia this week, four forestry department officials, including the department director, an officer and two rangers, were arrested for taking a $30,000 bribe. In exchange, they allegedly awarded illegal logging concessions. Malaysia has prized hardwoods growing in protected areas in and around its rain forests. The arrests came after an investigation by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission. According to the Malaysia Star, more than $100,000 in cash was seized from the house of the director, who “is said to be a millionaire.” The anti-corruption team is now investigating the sources of his wealth. He and the other suspects are being held “to assist in investigations.” So far this year, Malaysian authorities have discovered 21 cases of illegal logging with 23 arrests. . . .
Read the entire post on The FCPA Blog www.fcpablog.com
