The group revealed that CAR logging firms had paid millions of euros to insurgents in control of the country’s rainforests so that they could continue felling trees illegally. Rebels use the money to fund military campaigns, accompanied by mass murders of local population, rape and child soldier recruitment.
The "blood timber," which CAR companies procure through their illegal dealings, is resold to European companies and is shipped to Europe, its primary destination, according to the nonprofit.
The group estimates that, among other similar transactions, CAR companies paid 3.4 million euros ($3.7 million) into the hands of Seleka rebels in 2013. The country has been in conflict since clashes first erupted between Muslim Seleka rebels and Christian militias in 2013.
The violence has displaced about 25 percent of the population of CAR and forced over 460,000 to flee to neighboring countries, according to UN estimates.
