Illegally Cutting Down Oaks in Novorossiysk Could Result in 7-Year Imprisonment for Farmer
In the Krasnodar Krai region of Russia, a criminal case has been opened for the illegal felling of forest vegetation, involving a criminal group led by a 36-year-old resident of Khadyzhensk. The group, consisting of six individuals, was accused of cutting down valuable tree species without permits near Altubinal, Terzyan, and Goytakh in the Tuapse district.
The illegal logging activities took place from March 2022 to January 2023, affecting various tree species such as oak, beech, hornbeam, ash, pine, and spruce. The estimated damage from the group's activities is a staggering 183 million rubles.
The farmer, who illegally cut down oak trees without proper documentation, may also face up to 7 years in prison for his actions. The damage from his actions is estimated to be over 1.5 million rubles.
Illegal logging is a serious offence in Russia, with penalties ranging from fines to criminal charges, depending on the severity and circumstances. Fines can vary significantly based on factors like the diameter of the felled tree and forest type. Violations can lead to license revocation for companies persistently or egregiously breaking the law, effectively shutting down illegal logging enterprises. Criminal prosecution is also possible for individuals or organizations orchestrating illegal logging, which can result in imprisonment.
The regulatory framework in Russia emphasizes enforcement through government agencies, utilizing satellite imagery, drones, and AI technologies to monitor forests in almost real-time. There is also a strong focus on restorative actions, requiring offenders and authorities to develop and implement reforestation and rehabilitation programs.
This report does not provide any new information about the potential prison sentence for the farmer. The case materials for the farmer's criminal case have been sent to court for trial. The authorities are taking a comprehensive approach to deterring and addressing forest law violations, reflecting the importance of preserving Russia's valuable forest resources.
[1] Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) programme, European Union. (2020). Russia: Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) progress report. Brussels: European Commission.
[2] Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation. (2021). Federal Law No. 152-FZ On Forests and Forestry and the Rules for Its Implementation. Moscow: Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation.
- The environmental-science community is concerned about the impact of the policy-and-legislation on the region's forest ecosystems, given the significant damage caused by illegal deforestation in the Krasnodar Krai region as highlighted in the criminal case.
- Several news outlets have covered this story as a general-news item, emphasizing the environmental and economic implications of the crime-and-justice case involving the illegal felling of forest vegetation in Russia.
- Given the extensive damage caused to the forest vegetation and the potential prison sentences for the illegally logging individuals, this incident underscores the importance of stricter environmental-science policy-and-legislation and stronger law enforcement in Russia to protect its forest resources.
