The Acting Director of Forestry at the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, Dr. Freddie Siangulube, has issued a stern warning to illegal timber traders and transporters, stating that vehicles and equipment used in the unlawful movement of timber and charcoal will be seized and forfeited under the law. Speaking during a Law Enforcement Training Workshop organised by Wildlife Crime Prevention (WCP) Zambia, Dr. Siangulube emphasised that forest resources are national assets critical to livelihoods, energy security, biodiversity, and climate resilience. He noted that these benefits are increasingly threatened by illegal activities, particularly the illicit production and trade in timber and charcoal.
Dr. Siangulube highlighted that forest crime has evolved into complex, organised criminal operations often linked to financial crimes and sophisticated supply chains. “Forest crime is no longer a simple offence at the point of harvest. It involves networks exploiting transport and logistics systems,” he said. The workshop focuses on building capacity in asset forfeiture and financial crime investigations, using illegal forest produce as an entry point to pursue broader enforcement actions. Participants are being trained in practical skills such as evidence collection, documentation, case file preparation, and techniques to ensure cases withstand legal scrutiny in courts.
The Acting Director explained that the objective of the workshop is to equip provincial forestry offices and senior management with tools to target forest crimes beyond the forest. This approach focuses on disrupting the financial and logistical networks that sustain illegal operations. He commended WCP Zambia and the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) for their role in providing expertise that strengthens the link between investigations and successful prosecution. “Forest crime cases must be handled with the seriousness they deserve. Weak investigations that fail at prosecution cannot continue,” Dr. Siangulube said.
Dr. Siangulube issued a direct warning to transporters and logistics companies involved in moving illegal timber and charcoal. He emphasised that the transportation of such products is a serious offence under the Forest Act and related laws governing the forfeiture of proceeds of crime. Vehicles and equipment used in these illegal activities are liable to seizure and forfeiture. “We urge all transporters to exercise due diligence and ensure their operations fully comply with the law,” he stated. He expressed confidence that, at the conclusion of the two-day workshop, the Forest Department would be stronger and more effective in combating illegal forest activities.
Meanwhile, WCP Zambia Communications Officer Salima Mvula underlined the importance of collaboration between government institutions to tackle forest crimes. She noted that WCP Zambia works closely with the Forestry Department and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife to combat illegal wildlife trade and forest offences. The training aims to enhance investigation procedures, improve inter-agency collaboration, and ensure that cases of illegal timber logging are handled according to Zambian law. “We cannot work in silos. Effective enforcement requires collaboration between forestry officers, wildlife authorities, and the National Prosecution Authority to ensure strong cases and successful prosecutions,” she said.
The two-day workshop is expected to strengthen Zambia’s enforcement capacity against illegal timber and charcoal trade. By equipping officials with knowledge in asset forfeiture, financial investigations, and legal processes, the Forestry Department aims to disrupt criminal networks and safeguard the country’s forest resources for sustainable development.