Criminal Case on Illegal Tree Felling Sent to Court in Lori Province

The investigation into a criminal case regarding illegal tree felling has been completed by the Tumanyan investigative division of the Lori regional investigative department of the RA Investigative Committee.

According to the data collected during the investigation, a 51-year-old resident of Lori Province illegally felled various types of trees in the territory of the 4th section of the "Motkori Forest Management" branch of the "Hayantar" SNCO, using a chainsaw, between March 1 and 5, 2020, for the purpose of obtaining firewood for heating his home. Subsequently, he transported the timber to the territory of a clothing factory located in the Lori region, causing significant material damage to the animal and plant world, using his 24-year-old friend's vehicle.

On March 5, 2020, the 51-year-old resident assured his aforementioned friend that the timber was obtained legally and that he had the corresponding documents, and together they loaded the timber onto his "ZIL 130" cargo vehicle from the territory of the factory, after which he traveled alone towards the city of Vanadzor. The police stopped his vehicle for inspection, and due to the lack of relevant documents regarding the acquisition of the timber, it was moved to the police impound lot.

Based on sufficient evidence obtained, the 51-year-old resident of Lori Province has been charged under Article 296, Part 1 of the RA Criminal Code (illegal felling of trees, shrubs, and vegetation or moving them without permission). A signature bond has been taken as a preventive measure, preventing him from leaving. The investigation has been completed, and the criminal case, with an accusatory conclusion, has been sent to court.