Forest Ranger Charged with Accepting Bribes

The Investigative Committee of Armenia has initiated proceedings against a forest ranger for accepting a bribe, as well as for illegal logging activities, under Articles 296 (part 3), 311 (part 2), and 312 (part 1) of the Armenian Criminal Code.

Based on a report prepared by the Dilijan National Park and calculations made by the Territorial Division of the Environmental and Mining Inspectorate in Tavush, several circumstances have been established regarding the case that was prepared in the Dilijan Police Department. These include the period of illegal logging, the estimated damage caused, and the identity of the individual who illegally cut down the trees, a resident of Dilijan city.

As a result of investigative and other procedural actions, it has been determined that the forest ranger of the Shamakhyan division of the Dilijan National Park, being a financially responsible person, had the obligation to ensure the protection of the flora and fauna of the specified division. He was also responsible for preventing any actions that violate environmental and nature use regulations within the reserved area. However, he entered into an agreement with a resident of Dilijan to take 5,000 Armenian drams for each cubic meter of firewood obtained from the illegal logging of trees.

Consequently, by failing to fulfill his responsibilities and showing evident illegal inaction, he allowed the illegal cutting of 8 oak, 3 hornbeam, 2 maple, 1 mulberry, and 1 linden standing trees at the end of November 2020, causing an estimated damage of 1,925,000 Armenian drams to the state.

During the preliminary investigation, several investigatory actions were carried out, including an examination of the crime scene, seizures, and confrontational questioning. Based on the evidence obtained, the forest ranger has been charged under Article 311 (part 2) of the Armenian Criminal Code for accepting a bribe. A motion was submitted to the court to select pretrial detention as a measure of restraint for the forest ranger, which was granted. In the case of the resident of Dilijan, a signature was established as a measure of restraint, prohibiting any attempt to flee.

The pretrial investigation is ongoing.