Feds Investigating Gibson Guitars
US Fish and Wildlife Service raid Gibson factory claiming the manufacturer may have used illegal rosewood to make their guitars.
Gibson Guitar Corporation, the Nashville-based guitar manufacturer is under investigation for violating the Lacey Act which prohibits trade in illegally sourced wood products. The Gibson factory was raided last Tuesday by the US Fish and Wildlife Service claiming the corporation may have illegally obtained and used rosewood to make their guitars. Computers, files and guitars were seized from the Tennessee facility as evidence is collected. US Federal agents are looking to see if Gibson shipped illegal rosewood from Madagascar via Germany. Madagascar is a prime exporter of rosewood, a popular component in many guitars, but due to corruption and environmental issues the Lacey Act forbids any corporation from importing it into the United States.
According to a release from Gibson, the company is fully cooperating with the agents and takes the issue of responsible wood sourcing "very seriously.""Gibson Guitar makes every effort to ensure that all its wood purchases are legal and is also working to increase the amount of wood purchased from certified sources, including FSC-certified wood. The company will continue to cooperate fully and assist our federal government with all inquiries and information."
