Within the criminal case investigated in General Department of Investigation of Particularly Important Cases of the RA Investigative Committee on illegal tree-felling apparently committed in «Stepanavan Forestry» branch of «Hayantar» SNCO it was found out that from 2016 to 2018 in different sections of Stepanavan forestry 1462 trees of several types and diameter cost 102.329.250 AMD in total were illegally cut down.   

Particularly, in the result of investigatory and other procedural actions conducted within the criminal case investigated in General Department of Investigation of Particularly Important Cases of the RA Investigative Committee it was found out that persons engaged in timber sale, as well as those having wood workshop in Stepanavan and adjacent villages turned to foresters of Stepanavan forestry with bribe offer for illegal tree-felling. After reaching prior agreement with them the foresters in their turns reached an agreement with the forest-keeper of the mentioned section, in some cases also with the director of «Stepanavan forestry» section to allow illegal tree felling for bribe, and within the agreement the forestry employees implemented illegal tree felling and the work of taking the timber out of the forest after which they received the bribe.

Then it was found out that in order to conceal the real volume of illegal tree felling committed in «Stepanavan forestry» section from 2016 to 2018 or to avoid additional inspections the directors, foresters, forest keepers of «Stepanavan forestry» section abused their official position, committed forgery, in some cases gave bribes and committed other official crimes. Besides, it was found out that during supervision conducted at the forest area of «Stepanavan forestry» section the employees of control unit of «Hayantar» SNCO abused their official position and committed forgery to conceal the real data of the trees cut down illegally.

During preliminary investigation of the criminal case 16 persons were involved as a defendant, including 2 directors of «Stepanavan forestry» section, 3 former foresters, 3 forest keepers, 3 employees of control unit of «Hayantar» SNCO, 5 persons engaged in timber sale, as well as those having wood workshop engaged in illegal tree-felling. Search was declared against one of the foresters and detention was chosen as a pretrial measure against him.

During preliminary investigation a part of the damage caused to the state was recovered.

Preliminary investigation was completed and the criminal case with the bill of indictment was sent to prosecutor supervising the legality of preliminary investigation.

Note; Everyone charged with alleged crime offence shall be presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law.