"Black lumberjacks" cut down the forest in Transbaikalia for 1.5 million rubles

Illegal deforestation was discovered by inspectors of the Ministry of Natural Resources of Transbaikalia during an inspection in the protected natural area "Gulya" of the Tunkiro-Olekminsky district. The damage caused by the actions of the "black lumberjacks" was estimated at 1.5 million rubles.

The ministry told ChitaMedia news agency that the detention of a group of violators took place with the participation of police officers with the support of SOBRA staff. The detainees did not have any permits to carry out the work.

The violators are two residents of the area. With the help of a chainsaw and an artisanal sawmill, they cut down trees and processed them into lumber.

A car, chainsaws, a snowmobile and other equipment that they used during illegal logging were seized from the detainees. The police are conducting an investigation into the incident.

In mid-February, it was reported that the State Duma was considering amendments to the Administrative Code that would change the system of punishment for illegal logging. Now the equipment that was used in illegal logging can be confiscated for the first such violation. After the amendments are adopted, it will be withdrawn only for repeated use. At the same time, the bill increases fines for recidivism from 300 to 500 thousand. Thus, those re-caught in the "black logging" may face both a significant fine and the loss of equipment worth tens of millions.