The Foundation for Forest Management and Supervision (SBB) has declined a request from Suriname’s Energy Companies (EBS) to lift the seizure of a large batch of brownheart timber. The decision was communicated in a letter from SBB Director Ruben Ravenberg to EBS General Director Leo Brunswijk, which was obtained by Starnieuws. The investigation into the allegedly illegally obtained timber is ongoing, and SBB has emphasized its legal obligation to inform the Attorney General of suspected violations. The first interim report was submitted to the Attorney General and the government last Wednesday. SBB continues its work, meticulously inspecting each piece of timber. As of October 6, 508 seizures had been made after inspecting 1,444 pieces of timber, bringing the total number of seizures to nearly 1,000. In the letter, Ravenberg referenced EBS’s October 3 request, which cited ‘public interest’ as the reason for lifting the seizure. However, SBB rejected the request, stating that all citizens, including state-owned enterprises like EBS, must adhere to the law and cooperate in combating illegal activities that cause irreparable damage to forests. SBB also highlighted that previous cases of illegally harvested brownheart timber at EBS’s landing site have already been transferred to the Public Prosecutor’s Office. Additionally, SBB inspectors were denied access to the EBS site on Bethesdaweg multiple times. When it was discovered that more allegedly illegal brownheart timber was brought to the site on September 29, SBB sought assistance from the Environmental Crime Unit. SBB is working to conclude the investigation swiftly, after which the full dossier will be handed over to the Public Prosecutor’s Office. Only then can EBS submit its request to the Attorney General. SBB reiterated its willingness to advise EBS on future purchases and verify information regarding brownheart timber offerings in advance.