Video: Madagascar’s president linked to illegal logging

[Barrett808]

Video released by Global Witness and the Environmental Investigation Agency reveals Chinese rosewood traders have direct links to Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina, who seized power during a March 2009 military coup.

The undercover investigation found several instances of dealers in China who claim direct dealings with the highest levels of Madagascar's interim government.

Liu Hongyu, a manager at Beijing-based Meheco, a rosewood wholesaler, was captured on camera saying that she deals directly with Rajoelina.

Mr. Lu, owner of an import company in Guangzhou, told investigators he is a friend of Rajoelina and has imported over 1,000 containers of rosewood from Madagascar.

"Sometimes the government does not have the money to pay its workers, this they sell the wood to get money," he said on camera. "Each container the government charges over $45,000, then they also charge duties."

The findings seem to confirm what local sources have been saying for months: the interim government has profited from illegal logging. ...

Video: Madagascar’s president linked to illegal logging