France Launches Emergency Hotline to Combat Organized Tree Theft

The 'SOS vol de forêt' initiative aims to support private forest owners as international criminal networks devastate forests and ecosystems.

The 'SOS vol de forêt' hotline and online platform, launched on April 8, 2025, provide assistance to private forest owners affected by organized tree theft.
Criminal networks are suspected of targeting high-value trees, such as French oak, often linked to international wood trafficking operations.
The thefts, like the 2024 incident in Wassy where 20 oak trees were felled, exploit low-traffic conditions and leave forests irreparably damaged.
Victims face significant economic and emotional losses, as there is no insurance coverage for stolen trees, and ecosystems are permanently disrupted.
Fransylva, the federation of private forest owners, has documented over 40 cases in Moselle and is calling for stronger enforcement and customs support to combat cross-border trafficking.