An article by ANI News details the extent of the illegal timber business in Suriname, largely driven by Chinese companies, which own over half of the logging concessions in the country. After illegal exploitation, logged timber is sold online through hard-to-track companies. As a consequence, Suriname loses approximately 100 million euros annually due to illegal logging, with the money flowing to criminal cartels. Suriname produces nearly 1.5 million cubic metres of wood yearly, with China and India being the primary buyers. Despite efforts to monitor illegal activities using technology, the vast area of rainforest makes control challenging. Corruption is also widespread, with officials and concession holders implicated in illegal activities. ANI News explains that the significant discovery of containers filled with illegal timber indicates potential involvement by customs officials.