The criminal-legal fight against illegal cutting of trees and corruption crimes in Lori region of the Republic of Armenia continues.

 

As a result of the consistency of the prosecutor's office of Lori region and effective, proper prosecutorial control by prosecutors, according to the assessment of sufficient data obtained in the course of the preliminary investigation of criminal cases initiated during 2021 regarding illegal cutting of trees, a total of 18 officials were charged under Part 2 of Art. 315 and Part 1 of Art. 314 of the RA Criminal Code.

 

In the course of the preliminary investigation, sufficient evidence were obtained that the latter, according to their position by undertaking to implement measures to prevent and control illegal cutting of trees and other violations of the RA forest legislation, and if necessary to record cases of violations, verify the necessary documents, showed a negligent attitude to their service. Having failed to properly fulfill their official duties, they did not regularly visit the warehouses, drew up false protocols on forest violations. As a result, a total of 943 forest cuttings were recorded, as a result of which plant and animal world were damaged in the amount of 31 million AMD.

 

The preliminary investigation of the indicated all criminal cases continues. Measures are being taken to ensure the comprehensiveness, completeness and objectivity of cases, including for the restoration of the damage caused, as well as the identification of persons related to violations and the provision of a legal assessment to their actions.

 

The prosecutor of Lori region submitted petitions to the competent authority regarding the prevention of further activities of officials.

 

Notice: Every person suspected in or charged with a criminal offense shall be presumed innocent unless proved guilty in the manner prescribed by the RA Criminal Procedure Code and unless the verdict comes into legal force.