Law enforcement has apprehended residents of Bereziv District for illegal logging, charging them with a crime. The father will face criminal liability for involving his son in this unlawful activity.

In January, patrol police discovered two locals aged 56 and 17 engaged in cutting down trees in a communal forest belonging to the Petrovyriv community.

Officers established that the man had felled a total of 51 trees, mainly acacias and maples. His underage son was monitoring the surroundings and helping to load the cut timber onto their vehicle.

Evidence collected from the scene included a 'VAZ' vehicle with a trailer, cut trees, and a chainsaw. A forensic economic examination determined that the damage to the community amounted to 68,652 hryvnias.

Based on sufficient evidence gathered during the preliminary investigation, charges were filed against the individuals for illegal logging in protective forest plantations, which caused significant damage. This crime is classified under part 2 of article 246 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, punishable by up to five years of imprisonment. Additionally, the man was charged under part 2 of article 304 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine for involving a minor in criminal activity, which carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years.

The indictment has been forwarded to court, and the Bereziv District Prosecutor's Office will support the charges.

Law enforcement urges citizens to respect nature and engage in legal wood harvesting practices.