47 Trees Illegally Cut Down in Dsegh Forest, Causing 2.5 Million AMD in Damage

The investigation by the Lori Regional Investigation Department of the RA Investigative Committee regarding the case of official negligence by a forest guard at the Dsegh Forest Protection Authority has been completed.

According to the RA Investigative Committee, it has been substantiated during the investigation that the forest guard of the second monitoring section of the Dsegh Forest Protection Authority, which is part of the ‘Hayantar’ State Non-Commercial Organization’s Tumanyan Forest Enterprise, failed to carry out his duties properly.

Specifically, he did not conduct regular inspections in the mentioned section, did not prepare monthly reports or documentation concerning illegal felling, and did not verify the documentation permitting forest utilization or impose control over compliance with them by forest users.

As a result, between November 30, 2021, and April 26, 2022, a total of 47 standing trees of the species of hard-leaved, oak, and willow were illegally cut down in the area known as ‘Tandzut’ within the fifth quarter of the second monitoring section of the Dsegh Forest Protection Authority under the Tumanyan Forest Enterprise. This led to significant damage amounting to 2,442,000 AMD to the rights and legal interests of the organization and the state due to negligence.

The illegal felling of these 47 trees was identified and recorded only during a follow-up inspection conducted by employees of ‘Hayantar’ State Non-Commercial Organization in the area.

Based on the evidence collected, the forest guard has been charged under Article 446, Part 1 of the RA Criminal Code. A measure to prevent his absconding has been chosen, and to ensure legal guarantees for the recovery of the damages caused to the state, a lien has been imposed on the movable property of the accused.

The preliminary investigation has been completed, and the materials of the criminal case, with an accusatory conclusion, have been sent to court.