Arrests Made for Illegal Logging in Bereziv District
Law enforcement officials have uncovered local residents in Bereziv District engaged in illegal logging. The father will face criminal charges for also involving his son in the illicit activities.
In January, patrol police noticed a 56-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy cutting down trees in a protective forest belonging to the Petrovirivka community.
It was established that the adult had felled a total of 51 young trees, including acacias and maples, while his underage son helped by monitoring the surroundings and loading the cut wood into a vehicle.
Authorities seized a VAZ vehicle with a trailer, felled trees, and a chainsaw from the scene. An economic expert examination revealed that the damage to the community amounted to 68,652 hryvnias.
With sufficient evidence gathered, charges were brought against the individuals for illegal logging that caused significant harm. This crime falls under part 2 of Article 246 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which carries a penalty of up to five years of imprisonment. Additionally, the father was charged under part 2 of Article 304 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine for involving a minor in criminal activities, which is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
The indictment has been sent to court. The Bereziv District Prosecutor's Office will support the prosecution.
Law enforcement urges citizens to protect nature and to obtain firewood legally.