Illegal export of timber from Burma to China is a flourishing business and the Aung Mai Company is in the thick of this trade. Aung Mai has a license to transport confiscated timber from Bhamo to Mandalay. Junta authorities confiscate timber felled illegally in Bhamo district, Kachin State.

On June 19, Aung Mai Company loaded timber from the company's timber-compound using manpower and machines onto 28 trucks and sent it to Naung Taung town in China, a local said.

"Five trucks trundled through the Pang Kham border-pass located between Mam Weingyi in Burma and Naung Taung in China. The remaining trucks crossed the river and headed for Naung Taung along an illegal route. The timber was confiscated in Mann Si Township, Burma and was meant to be sent to Wet Tho timber-port near Sinn Kham village but authorities diverted the timber to Mann Weingyi. After which they illegally send timber to China when they get the chance," the local added.

Aung Mai Company has connections with the son and relatives of Gen Ohn Myint, who is the former commander of the northern military command. When Gen Ohn Myint was the commander of northern military command, Aung Mai Company got a contract for confiscated-timber transportation every year. According to a close friend of a timber exporter, Aung Mai Company is into illegal timber export to China.

"Aung Mai Company has been illegally exporting timber to China for a long time. Nobody can stop it. It's because of Gen Ohn Myint in Nay Pyi Daw. Moreover, Aung Mai Company has been bribing the local strategic commander and battalion commander," the local added.

Though authorities crack down on illegal timber export from Northern Shan State and Kachin State to the Sino-Burma border but local authorities get involved in the illegal timber export. Illegal timber export is seen in this region during the fall season, locals said.