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Southern Macrozone Anti-Timber Theft Law Leads to 80% Drop in Crimes in the Southern Macrozone

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Timber theft crimes in the Southern Macrozone have decreased by 80%, according to figures shared by René Muñoz, manager of the Association of Forestry Contractors, in an interview with Radio San Cristóbal.

Along with this, he noted that the number of attacks has decreased in 2023 but criticized the lack of progress by the prosecutor's office in investigations to identify those responsible for these incidents.

ATTACKS IN 2023 AND DECLINE IN NUMBERS

Specifically, he stated, "Objectively, we must acknowledge a reduction in the impact on forestry contractors. Currently, we have recorded 36 attacks, whereas last year at this time, we had 85 attacks. So, we could say there has been a decline."

He further explained, "Undoubtedly, last year is not a suitable benchmark for comparison, as it was the most violent year since 2014. However, it suggests a decline, which can be attributed to several factors. I believe the main reason was the enactment of the timber theft law last September. Timber theft was the primary resource for these terrorist groups to fund weapons and operations, and this has been significantly targeted."

The manager of Acoforag emphasized, "If in 2021 timber theft was estimated at $100 million, projections for this year indicate an 80% reduction—meaning around $20 to $30 million. This is a significant decrease, but the activity persists."

LAND USURPATION LAW

Addressing the veto of the land usurpation law and the violent actions by groups in the Southern Macrozone to seize and exploit forest lands, René Muñoz stated, "This is what we have argued regarding the land usurpation law, which was approved by Congress but vetoed by the Executive. For us, usurpation is the start of both criminal and violent chains, affecting not just us."

He added, "It’s important to understand that we are only one part of the impact. Farmers, merchants, and tourism sectors are also affected. Violent land usurpation opens the door for violent groups to defend these takeovers and eventually allows others to carry out operations and steal timber—not just from large companies but also private landowners."

He also clarified, "Some justify the theft by claiming it targets wealthy corporations, but the truth is everyone is affected. For instance, of the 36 attacks on forestry contractors this year, 20 were against private individuals, not companies."

INVESTIGATIONS INTO ARSON ATTACKS

Regarding investigations into arson attacks, the Acoforag manager stated, "The truth is, progress is very slow. Out of 464 attacks recorded over 10 years, only three—one in Cañete, one in Lautaro, and one in Lumaco—have been adjudicated. In Los Ángeles, a trial is underway with detainees, but no convictions yet, so the case remains open."

He further noted, "Out of 464 cases, only three are closed—less than 0.1%. The prosecutor's office’s effectiveness is very low, and this has long been our complaint. Many of the 464 cases are archived, with no perseverance from the prosecutor’s office, meaning they are effectively lost."

Finally, he remarked, "The prosecutor’s office is slow. The Biobío regional prosecutor’s office cites limited resources and a small legal team. We believe the state is responsible for not allocating more resources and professionals to advance these cases."

Source: www.latribuna.cl