In the result of investigatory and other procedural actions of great volume conducted in the framework of the criminal case investigated in Lori Regional Investigative Department of the RA Investigative Committee a number of circumstances of illegal tree-felling committed in different sections of “Stepanavan Forestry” of “Hayantar” SNCO were found. Preliminary investigation on 4 defendants was completed.

In the result of examinations conducted by the employees of the RA Prime Minister’s Supervisory Service and State Environmental Inspectorate of the RA Ministry of Nature Protection with participation of volunteers of “Pan-Armenian Environmental Front” civil initiative in the sections of “Stepanavan Forestry” of “Hayantar” SNCO stubs of illegally cut trees of different caliber of several dozens of beech and hornbeam were found.

A criminal case was initiated in the Investigative Division of Lori Regional Investigative Department of the RA Investigative Committee, an investigatory plan was worked out and investigatory and operative-searching measures of great volume were taken to find all circumstances, the frame of those having committed the alleged crime.  

As a result, actual data were obtained on the allegation that tree-felling had been committed in the result of improper implementation of their duties by the officials of “Stepanavan Forestry” of “Hayantar” SNCO.

Pursuant to preliminary investigation data, illegal tree-felling in the sections of “Stepanavan Forestry” of “Hayantar” SNCO were committed in 2015. The persons having committed the alleged crime taking advantage of the lack of proper control in the forest cut off several dozens of trees - beeches, hornbeams in section 1 of Gyulagarak forestry and section 15 of Stepanavan forestry inflicting damage of several millions AMD to the state. Negligence was displayed by the officials towards their duties – the damage was not found in time and was not recorded.

On the base of the sufficient evidence charge was pressed against the former forester of the section 1 of Gyulagarak forestry of “Stepanavan Forestry” of “Hayantar” SNCO according to the Part 1 of the Article 314, the Part 1 of the Article 315 of RA Criminal Code, against the forester of Stepanavan forestry, against the forester of the section 15 of Stepanavan forestry and against one more person according to the Part 1 of the Article 315 of RA Criminal Code.  

During preliminary investigation a part of the damage inflicted to the state by the defendants was restored.

Preliminary investigation of the criminal case on 4 defendants was completed and was sent to court with the bill of indictment.

One person was involved as a defendant according to the Point 3 of the Part 2 of the Article 296 of RA Criminal Code and search was declared against him. Measures are taken to find the latter and bring him to the investigative body.

Preliminary investigation is ongoing, necessary investigatory and operative-searching measures are taken to find the frame of those possibly involved in illegal tree felling, to clarify the actions of each of them and to give appropriate legal assessment.

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