City

Law enforcement officials detected local residents in the Bereziv district engaged in illegal logging and brought charges against them. The father will also face criminal responsibility for involving his son in unlawful activities.

In January, police officers discovered two men, aged 56 and 17, while they were cutting trees in a protective forest strip owned by the Pytrovirivka community.

It was found that the man had cut down a total of 51 trees, including acacias and maples. His underage son, at the father's request, was keeping watch and loading the cut wood onto their vehicle.

Police seized a "VAZ" car with a trailer, the cut trees, and a chainsaw as evidence. A forensic economic examination determined that the material damage to the community amounted to 68,652 hryvnias.

With sufficient evidence collected, investigators charged the suspects with illegal logging in protective forest plantations, causing significant damage, committed in conspiracy by a group of individuals. This crime is classified under part 2 of article 246 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine and carries a penalty of up to five years in prison. Additionally, the man was charged under part 2 of article 304 of the Criminal Code for involving a minor in criminal activities, which can result in imprisonment for up to 10 years.

The indictment has been sent to court, where the Bereziv District Prosecutor's Office will support the charges.

Law enforcement urges citizens to protect nature and to legally gather firewood.