Hackers in more than one sense of the word

Wired reports that logging companies are using computer hacking rings to obtain artificial access to otherwise protected areas of the Brazilian rain forest.

[Brazilian] authorities — who have arrested more than 30 people implicated in the scandal and are said to be eying 200 more — allege hackers from logging and charcoal concerns have unlawfully accessed government logging databases. The intrusions allowed them to obtain extra "transport permits" to remove resources from the Amazon. Permits are tied to a set amount of volume.

Count me among those ignorant of technology's potential to be abused, but I'm still surprised at such a display of greed.