In the framework of the criminal case investigated in General Department of Investigation of Particularly Important Cases of the RA Investigative Committee on illegal tree felling committed in a number of sections of “Haghartsin Area” branch of “Dilijan National Park” SNCO charge was pressed against two more foresters of sections.

It was earlier informed that from 2014 to 2017 illegal tree felling had been committed in the sections of “Dilijan National Park” SNCO which caused damage of particularly large amount to the state.

A criminal case was initiated preliminary investigation of which is conducted in the RA IC General Department of Investigation of Particularly Important Cases.

In the result of investigatory actions of great volume sufficient evidence were obtained on the allegation that illegal tree felling had been caused by improper implementation of duties by several foresters; the amount of damage inflicted to the nature was not calculated, measures were not taken in time to reveal the cases of illegal felling of different types of trees, to subject the person or people having committed illegal felling to administrative or criminal liability, respectively, as well as to restore the damage in particularly large amount inflicted to the state.

Besides, without checking the section area admission-transfer protocols were signed which did not correspond to reality according to which no illegally cut trees not formulated by offence protocols in the section were found.

Pursuant to data of the criminal case from 2014 to 2017 during the tenure of the forester of the section 2 of “Haghartsin Area” branch of “Dilijan National Park” SNCO A. Zargaryan totally 282 trees of different types and diameters were cut down in the mentioned section causing damage of 62.515.000 AMD to the state. And during the tenure of the forester of the section 1 of “Haghartsin Area” branch of “Dilijan National Park” SNCO T. Grigoryan totally 206 trees of different types and diameters were cut down in the mentioned section causing the state a damage of 31.412.000 AMD.

On the base of the obtained evidence charge was pressed against T. Grigoryan and A. Zargaryan according to the Part 1 of the Article 314 and the Part 2 of the Article 315 of RA Criminal Code.

As of August 15, 2018, within the mentioned criminal case charge was pressed against 10 people in total.

Preliminary investigation is ongoing. Necessary investigatory and other procedural actions are conducted to provide the complete, objective and comprehensive investigation of the case on illegal tree felling

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