Trees worth almost UAH 7 million cut down in Dnipropetrovs'k region

Trees worth almost UAH 7 million cut down in Dnipropetrovs'k region dnipr.gp.gov.ua

Illya Fedun

Offenders cut down a number of valuable tree species in the Mosty reserve

Trees were cut down in the Mosty landscape reserve in Dnipropetrovs'k region, causing UAH 6.9 million in losses to the state.

This was reported by the press service of the regional prosecutor's office in Dnipropetrovs'k region.

A former forestry official in the Dnipropetrovs'k region is accused of illegal felling of trees. According to the investigation, in early 2024, the acting director of one of the branches of the State Enterprise "Forests of Ukraine" allowed illegal felling of trees in the landscape reserve of local importance "Bridges" in the Kamianskyi district of Dnipro region without special permits.

dnipr.gp.gov.ua

Photo: dnipr.gp.gov.ua

The former employee of the forestry was served a notice of suspicion on the fact of improper performance of official duties under Article 367(2) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

dnipr.gp.gov.ua

Photo: dnipr.gp.gov.ua

The sanctioning article provides for 2 to 5 years in prison with the inability to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities for up to 3 years. The defendant also faces a fine of UAH 4,250 to UAH 12,750. The law enforcement is currently deciding on a measure of restraint to be imposed on the offender.

dnipr.gp.gov.ua

Photo: dnipr.gp.gov.ua

What is special about the Mosty landscape reserve?

The Mosty Nature Reserve is a part of the Nature Reserve Fund of Ukraine and is protected by law as a national treasure. The reserve covers an area of over 2.3 thousand hectares. It was created to preserve the forest ecosystem of the region. The territory of the reserve covers part of the Omelnyk River and the Kamianske Reservoir with a coastal strip and islands in the mouth of the Omelnyk.

As a reminder, in Prykarpattia, nine officials were notified of suspicion for illegal felling of trees with environmental damage of UAH 721 million. A total of 9 forestry officials were notified of suspicion of committing criminal offenses of deforestation and abuse of office. The total amount of damage caused to the forests of Prykarpattia is estimated at UAH 721 million.

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