Within the framework of the criminal proceeding initiated in Dilijan Investigative Division of Tavush Regional Investigative Department of the RA Investigative Committee the case of illegal tree felling committed by the organized group in conditions of exceeding authorities, abusing service powers by the head of the branch of “Haghartsin” SNCO of “Dilijan National Park” was disclosed.

In the result of large-scale investigative and procedural actions as well as joint measures taken by the employees of the RA Prosecutor’s Office, RA National Security Service and RA Police within the framework of the criminal proceeding factual data were obtained on the allegation that the head of the branch of “Haghartsin” SNCO of “Dilijan National Park”, holding the mentioned position from September, 2022, abusing his service powers and exceeding authorities, within the period between November 9 and November 15, 2022 allowed the crawler tractor owned by the resident of Teghut village of the same region to enter the area under his protection, instructed the forester to give the barrier key to the person sent by the mentioned resident of Teghut thus leaving the area under his protection without control for a long time.

As a result, the resident of Teghut, with the intent to obtain illegal timber, with the help of two residents of Haghartsin village organized and managed the damage of 13 standing wet beech trees by breaking and rooting the trees causing the state pecuniary damage in large amount of 4.552.500 AMD.

On the base of the obtained sufficient evidence public criminal prosecution was initiated against the head of the branch of “Haghartsin” SNCO of “Dilijan National Park” according to the Part 1 of the Article 441 of RA Criminal Code, against the resident of Teghut village – according to the Points 2, 4 and 6 of the Part 2 of the Article 46-387, against one of the residents of Haghartsin village – according to the Points 2, 4 and 6 of the Part 2 of the Article 387 of RA Criminal Code.

Three persons, including the head of the branch of “Haghartsin”, were found, arrested and brought to the investigative body. Measures are taken to find the other resident of Haghartsin and bring him to the investigative body.

Preliminary investigation is ongoing.

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