Police have apprehended residents of the Berezivskyi district for engaging in illegal logging and have pressed charges against them. The father will also face criminal responsibility for involving his son in this illicit activity.

In January, officers from the patrol police noticed local residents in a forest owned by the Petrovirivska community while they were cutting down trees.

It was established that the man had cut down a total of 51 trees, primarily acacias and maples. His underage son was assisting him by keeping watch and loading the cut wood onto their vehicle.

Police seized a "VAZ" car with a trailer, cut trees, and a chainsaw as evidence. A forensic economic examination revealed that the material damage to the community amounted to 68,652 hryvnias.

With sufficient evidence gathered, charges were filed against the suspects for illegal logging in protective forest plantations, causing significant harm, committed in conspiracy. This crime is classified under part 2 of Article 246 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine and carries a penalty of 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, punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

The indictment has been sent to court, and the Berezivskyi District Prosecutor's Office will support the prosecution.

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