Over 2000 Trees Illegally Cut Down: Investigative Committee Details

The Investigative Committee of Armenia has uncovered significant details about the illegal cutting down of over 2000 trees in the territory of the Gyulagarak Forestry Administration, a subdivision of the "Hayantar" State Non-Commercial Organization, as part of a criminal investigation being conducted by the Stepanavan investigative division.

According to the factual data obtained during the investigation, a 42-year-old resident of the Lori region served as the head of the Gyulagarak Forestry from November 15, 2019, to March 16, 2020, and as a forest ranger from March 16 to May 19, 2020. A 35-year-old resident of the same region held the position of forest ranger during the same period. As public officials, they failed to properly fulfill their official duties.

Specifically, they did not adequately ensure the protection of the forest within the designated area. The forestry head did not establish proper leadership and oversight over the activities of the 35-year-old forest ranger, nor did they take necessary preventive measures to stop illegal logging, while failing to properly monitor the area or conduct regular inspections.

As a result, unidentified individuals took advantage of the lack of control in the forest and illegally cut down a total of 2036 trees from various sections of the designated area between November 15, 2019, and March 16, 2020. The damage to the State's rights and legitimate interests amounted to a total of 55,914,000 AMD.

These forestry violations were discovered and recorded during inspections conducted from May 15, 2020, onwards. Additionally, to create the illusion of properly fulfilling their work duties, to conceal their failure to perform their obligations, and out of interest to avoid compensating for the damage caused by illegal logging, the individuals involved prepared an official document entitled "Information on Weekly Inspections," which included clearly false information claiming that inspections had been carried out in various sections of the designated area on March 25 and April 7, 2020, with no illegal logging or other violations detected during those times. This fabricated content was submitted to the forestry head of the Gyulagarak Forestry Administration.

Based on sufficient evidence obtained, public criminal prosecution has been initiated against them under the second part of Article 315 of the former Criminal Code of Armenia (which corresponds to the second part of Article 446 of the current Criminal Code) related to official negligence resulting in serious consequences, and under the first part of Article 445 of the Criminal Code (which corresponds to the first part of Article 314 of the former Criminal Code) concerning official forgery. Charges have been filed against them, and a restriction on leaving the country has been imposed as a precautionary measure. The pre-trial investigation is ongoing. The investigating body is also taking measures to ensure legal guarantees for restoring the damages caused to the state in accordance with established procedures.

Notice: The accused is considered innocent until proven guilty by a legally binding court verdict in accordance with the procedural code of the Criminal Procedure of Armenia.