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Forestry Contractors Indicate Extortion of Landowner is "the Tip of the Iceberg"

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The association of forestry contractors described the arrest of lonco Guillermo Miripil and werkén José Pichunhuala for the crimes of extortion and threats against the owner of an estate on the route connecting Lautaro and Curacautín in the La Araucanía region as "the tip of the iceberg."

Recall that the Mapuche leader remains in preventive custody after being formally charged this Wednesday for extortion, as he is under investigation for demanding $18 million from the landowner to avoid burning his forest. This case adds to another where the owner of a different estate allegedly paid $60 million for the same reason.

"NOT A NEW ISSUE"
The manager of the Association of Forestry Contractors, Acoforag, René Muñoz, revealed that such incidents are recurrent in much of the Southern Macrozone, stating that "this has been a way of operating for some communities for a long time—it's not a new issue."

He explained, "The difference today is that people have grown tired of this system and the widespread extortion targeting forest landowners, not just forestry companies but also farmers with forests in troubled areas. Some communities—and exceptions must be noted—choose this method. Now, it’s being publicly reported, a complaint was filed with the prosecutor’s office, investigations were launched, and ultimately a lonco and a werkén from the community were arrested for extortion."

He added, "This started about seven years ago when forestry companies and landowners wanted to harvest in certain areas. They would help local communities by painting their headquarters or repairing neighborhood association buildings. But this became distorted and has now turned into a crime. Fortunately, it’s being reported because people have lost their fear—it’s so widespread. The prosecutor’s office has taken action, investigating and arresting those responsible."

René Muñoz
"THIS IS THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG"
When asked about the potential impact of this legal action on the industry, he stated, "Undoubtedly, when justice begins to work and results are seen, we believe it opens the door for others suffering the same crime to come forward. I want to highlight the crucial role of the regional prosecutor’s office in investigating and publicizing this, supporting affected companies, forestry entrepreneurs, or farmers in filing complaints so investigations can proceed."

He emphasized, "I believe this is progress, but the problem is far from solved—it’s very widespread. Still, it’s a start, and we think it’s moving in the right direction."

Finally, he noted, "We believe this is just the tip of the iceberg regarding extortion crimes. It’s good that it’s being reported, investigated, and suspects are arrested and formally charged. Combined with the advancing timber theft law, which also helps curb these crimes, these are positive developments for the sector."

Source:www.latribuna.cl