Cambodian company strips protected areas of timber for export
Angkor Plywood is implicated in illegal logging within Cambodia's protected areas, exporting rare timber to Vietnam and China, while facing accusations of collusion and bribery, despite government denials of large-scale operations.
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A Cambodian company, Angkor Plywood, is reportedly involved in illegal logging activities within protected areas, particularly the Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary. A year-long investigation by Mongabay revealed that the company has been exporting timber, including rare species, to Vietnam and China. Angkor Plywood, founded by Chea Pov and Lu Chu Chang, has been accused of colluding with local loggers and mining companies while allegedly bribing officials to facilitate illegal logging. The investigation analyzed shipping records from 2021 to late 2023, indicating that Angkor Plywood exported valuable timber grades despite restrictions on such exports. The company has been linked to a Hong Kong-registered firm, PAR International Holdings, but its legitimacy is questionable as the reported address showed no signs of the company. The Cambodian Youth Network Association has called for the government to deny Angkor Plywood's export license extension, which expired in 2023. However, the company can still export plywood and flooring products, potentially sourced from illegally logged timber. Activists have criticized the systemic corruption enabling these activities, while the Cambodian government continues to deny large-scale logging operations, focusing instead on smaller forest crimes.
- Angkor Plywood is accused of illegal logging in protected areas of Cambodia.
- The company exports timber to Vietnam and China, including rare species.
- Investigations suggest collusion with local loggers and bribery of officials.
- The Cambodian Youth Network has urged the government to reject the company's export license.
- The Cambodian government denies large-scale logging operations despite evidence.
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