In Transcarpathia, an organized criminal group of foresters was exposed, which illegally cut down more than a thousand trees. As a result of foresters, serious damage to the environment for the amount of more than UAH 12 million was caused.
According to the Office of the Prosecutor General, four former forestry officials are suspected of involvement in illegal deforestation. Among the suspects is the former head of the branch, a leading engineer and two forest masters. They are accused of exceeding office, which has caused significant negative effects on the environment. According to the prosecutor's office, these persons organized a scheme that allowed deforestation in violation of the established standards.
In particular, forest masters unauthorized have drawn the removal of areas for felling trees at age, which significantly exceeded the maximum permissible rules. As a result, 1,369 spruce breeds and beech were cut down, which caused significant damage to the ecosystem of the region. Expertise confirmed that the damage caused is over UAH 12 million.
Law enforcement officers suspect that this scheme was functioning under the guidance of the former head of the branch, who involved his subordinates in illegal activities. It was noted that during this operation, the conditions were violated according to which the felling of thinning is allowed only in areas with trees, age not more than 40 years, and only once every 5-10 years.
