Preliminary investigation of the criminal case initiated on illegal tree felling and giving bribe of 5 million 790 thousand AMD to the forester of “Hayantar” SNCO to transfer the timber without permission committed by 6 residents of Tavush province was completed in Tavush Regional Investigative Department of the RA Investigative Committee.

Pursuant to data obtained through investigation the forester of “Hayantar” SNCO out of personal motives, showing negligent treatment towards the service, allowed the residents of Tavush province to carry out illegal tree felling in several sections which caused damage in particularly large amount to the state.

Through comprehensive investigation it was found out that totally 102 trees of different types and diameter were cut down from 2015 to 2018 which caused damage of 10 117 500 AMD to the state.

Through preliminary investigation of the criminal case it was found out that the forester of the section N 1 of “Khachardzan” forestry of “Ijevan forestry” of “Hayantar” SNCO did not carry out his service duties properly. He allowed 6 residents of Tavush province to carry out illegal tree felling, illegal timber production in the sections under his control, transfer of the timber and pursuant to agreements they had reached in advance demanded bribe in several amounts, 5 million 790 thousand AMD in total, and took part by part for not recording the breaches committed by them with his permission, not implementing his official authorities as an official.

Being informed that the mentioned people would go to the forest and commit illegal tree felling the forester warned them in advance that there were inspectors in the forest forbidding them to go to the forest. Sometimes he demanded to conceal traces of tree felling.

On the base of the obtained sufficient evidence charge was pressed against the forester according to the Part 1 of the Article 311 (taking bribe), the Point 3 of the Part 3 of the Article 311 (4 counts), the Point 2 of the Part 4 of the Article 311 (2 counts) of RA Criminal Code. Charge was pressed against 6 residents of Tavush province for illegal tree felling, illegal transfer of timber and giving bribe in several amounts. Signature not to leave was chosen as a pretrial measure against all defendants.

Preliminary investigation was completed and the criminal case with the bill of indictment was sent to court.


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