‘Lawless logging’ in DRC raises concerns over $500m forests deal signed by Boris Johnson

Critics say cash from UK, Norway, France and Germany could be wasted as damning report reveals illegalities, corruption and environmental crimes

Environmental groups have raised concerns about a $500m (380m) forest protection deal signed by Boris Johnson at Cop26, after a damning report into the Democratic Republic of the Congo's lawless" logging sector.

Johnson signed the letter of intent on behalf of the Central African Forest Initiative (Cafi) for a 10-year agreement which includes objectives to protect high-value forests and peatlands. Of the 200m committed to protecting the Congo basin by the UK at Cop26, 32m was given to Cafi from the aid budget.