131 Trees Illegally Cut in Lori, Causing Significant Damage

The Investigative Committee of Armenia reports that the preliminary investigation into the illegal logging of trees and shrubs in the Lori region has concluded in the investigative department of Tumanyan.

As a result of operational and investigative measures, an individual wanted in connection with this case has been located and presented to the prosecuting authority.

It has been previously reported that on December 20, 2018, in the 5th forest compartment of the Tumanyan forestry, 15 illegal tree stumps were discovered by a forest ranger. Additionally, on January 11, 2019, another 116 tree stumps were found in the 5th compartment of the Stepanavan forestry by the same ranger, leading to the creation of forest violation reports.

After a comprehensive investigation of the criminal case initiated regarding the incidents, sufficient evidence was obtained indicating that the illegal logging activities, totaling 131 trees, were conducted by residents of the Lori region born in 1986, 1988, 1987, and 1984.

Specifically, it was established that these individuals illegally cut down trees using a chainsaw in the territories of various forestry organizations of the Hayantar State Non-Profit Organization in November and December of 2018 for the purpose of selling firewood. They subsequently processed the wood, transported it, and sold it, causing substantial damage amounting to 4,920,000 AMD.

Based on the collected evidence, charges were brought against one individual, a man born in 1988, under Part 3 of Article 38-296 of the RA Criminal Code, and against two others under Part 3 of Article 296 of the RA Criminal Code. Their parts of the case were separated into a new proceeding, and the criminal case was sent to court with an accusatory conclusion.

In light of the fact that one of the defendants born in 1984 from Lori has been evading the investigation, decisions were made to involve him as a defendant under Part 3 of Article 296 and Part 3 of Article 38-296 of the Criminal Code, to choose a signature as a measure of restraint, and to declare him wanted.

This part of the case was also separated into a new proceeding, and an investigation was underway. Through operational and investigative measures, the defendant born in 1984 was located on September 7, 2019, and presented to the prosecuting authority.

The preliminary investigation for his part of the criminal case has also concluded, and the case has been sent to court with an accusatory conclusion.

To ensure compensation for the damage caused to the state, a decision was made by the investigator to impose a lien on any real or movable property, as well as bank accounts registered in his name.