Under the procedural guidance of the Chernihiv Regional Prosecutor's Office, four residents of the Nizhyn district have been notified of suspicion for illegal logging in protective forest plantations, transportation, and sale of illegally cut trees (Part 4 of Article 246 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

According to the investigation, at the end of December 2024, one of the suspects organized a scheme for illegal logging, involving three acquaintances. Despite the lack of a special permit - a logging ticket, the perpetrators carried out systematic illegal logging of trees in protective forest plantations located along the railway tracks in the territory of the Bakhmach community in the Nizhyn district. They sold the illegally obtained timber to citizens, imitating legitimate business activities.

During three months of criminal activity, the suspects cut down nearly 700 trees. The ecological damage caused to the surrounding natural environment exceeds 4.4 million UAH.

Currently, the issue of choosing preventive measures for the suspects is being resolved.

The pre-trial investigation is being conducted by investigators of the Main Investigation Department of the National Police in the Chernihiv region with operational support from the Main Department of the National Police in the Chernihiv region.

Note: according to Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent of committing a crime and cannot be subjected to criminal punishment until their guilt is proven in a lawful manner and established by a court verdict.