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Gibson Guitars is being investigated by police in the US for allegedly using illegal wood to make its instruments.

Federal agents seized wood, computers, files and guitars from the company's Massman Road manufacturing facility in Nashville, Tennessee.

They were seeking evidence that Gibson shipped illegal rosewood from Madagascar via Germany.

Under America's Lacey Act firms are barred from bringing Madagascan rosewood into the US due to corruption and environmental issues, reports The Guardian.

Gibson said that they are "fully co-operating" with the federal investigation.

In a statement the company added: "Gibson is a chain of custody certified buyers that purchases wood from legal suppliers who are to follow all standards."

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