The director of the Curonian Spit National Park was detained in the Kaliningrad region. What is known

A criminal case has been opened in the Kaliningrad Region against the director of the Curonian Spit National Park, who is suspected of organizing illegal logging. According to investigators, the damage to a specially protected natural area of federal significance exceeded 12.7 million rubles, and the crime was committed using official position and by prior agreement. All the details are in the Izvestia article.

What is known about the detention of the park director

Anatoly Kalin, director of the Curonian Spit National Park, was detained by representatives of law enforcement agencies on January 14, a source told Izvestia. According to the Investigative Committee of Russia (IC RF), a criminal case was opened under Part 3 of Article 260 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation ("Illegal logging of forest plantations committed by a person using his official position, by a group of persons by prior agreement, on an especially large scale").

Thus, the director of the park acted together with an acquaintance and other unidentified persons, organizing the illegal cutting down of raw-growing trees with a volume of more than 150 cubic meters on an area of about one hectare. According to the investigation, the site was being cleared for the subsequent creation of a complex of private commercial buildings for temporary residence of tourists.

It is reported that the suspect, using his official position, ensured the unhindered passage of special equipment into the park, controlled the uprooting of stumps, the removal of wood and the leveling of the site. A preventive measure will be chosen for the person involved in the near future.

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What consequences are possible

As a result of the alleged actions of a specially protected natural area recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, damage in excess of 12.7 million rubles was caused. As noted by Albert Khaleyan, a criminal lawyer and mediator at the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in an interview with Izvestia on January 15, the specific measure of punishment will be determined by the court in case of proof of guilt, and during the investigation the qualification may be changed if new circumstances are revealed.

"According to current reports, the director faces serious charges with possible imprisonment for up to seven years and a heavy fine. However, it is important to understand that this is only the initial stage. His guilt must be proved during the investigation and confirmed by a court verdict that has entered into force. Up to this point, the presumption of innocence is valid," the expert emphasized.

What is the Curonian Spit?

The Curonian Spit is a narrow sandy strip of land between the Curonian Lagoon and the Baltic Sea, stretching from the Kaliningrad Peninsula to the Lithuanian Klaipeda. Its total length is about 98 km, of which 48 km fall on the territory of Russia, and its width varies from 400 m to 3.8 km.

The territory is known for its unique landscapes and some of the highest dunes in Europe, reaching 60 m. The Curonian Spit is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and annually receives up to half a million tourists, which gives it a special status in terms of environmental protection and environmental safety.

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