MNN - Mother Nature Network

Hackers are illegally helping companies in Brazil get permits to cut down large tracts of rain forest. They have been hacking into poorly protected government computers and changing timber export records to allow companies to cut down more than their yearly limits.

 

Greenpeace campaigner André Muggiati thinks the computer-only tracking system should be replaced and said ""We've pointed out before that this method of controlling the transport of timber was subject to fraud. And this is only the tip of the iceberg, because the same computer system is also used in two other Brazilian states.""

 

In all, 107 timber and charcoal companies have allegedly taken part in the scheme and are being sued by public prosecutors for $833M. Police arrested 30 hackers after starting their investigation last April and have a total of 202 suspects facing prosecution.

 

Link [Greenpeace]