In the framework of the criminal case on illegal tree felling committed in a number of sections of «Haghartsin Area» of “Dilijan National Park” SNCO investigated in General Department of Investigation of Particularly Important Cases of the RA Investigative Committee head of «Haghartsin Area» of “Dilijan National Park” SNCO A. Manucharyan and former head H. Hovhannisyan were arrested.

It was earlier informed that from 2014 to 2017 illegal tree felling had been committed in the sections of “Dilijan National Park” SNCO cutting down more than 6000 trees 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.

Pursuant to actual data obtained through investigation the tree felling had been of organized nature; the steady criminal group was created in 2014 to carry out tree felling for selling wood. The people involved in creation and control of the group, as well as in tree felling were identified who were involved as a defendant within the criminal case in October- November, 2017.

In the result of investigatory actions of great volume sufficient evidence were obtained on the allegation that illegal tree felling had been caused by abuse of official authorities, improper implementation of duties by former and current heads of «Haghartsin Area» of “Dilijan National Park” SNCO.

In the framework of the criminal case foresters of sections 3, 4 and 13 of «Haghartsin Area» of “Dilijan National Park” SNCO S. Zargaryan, G. Poghosyan and V. Dilanyan were involved as a defendant.

As of today, in the framework of the criminal case charge was pressed against 5 people, search was declared against deputy director – division head on protection of “Dilijan National Park” SNCO V. Vasilyan, two people were arrested.

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.