Law enforcement has caught residents of the Bereziv district engaged in illegal tree cutting and has brought charges against them. The father will also face consequences for involving his son in criminal activities.

In January, patrol police officers discovered two local residents, aged 56 and 17, during illegal tree cutting in a protective forest belt owned by the Petrovirivka community.

It was established that the man cut down a total of 51 trees, including acacias and maples, while his underage son helped by watching the surroundings and loading the cut wood into a car.

From the scene, law enforcement seized a "VAZ" vehicle with a trailer, cut trees, and a chainsaw. A forensic economic examination determined that the damage caused to the community amounted to 68,652 hryvnias.

With sufficient evidence collected during the pre-trial investigation, charges were brought against the suspects for illegal logging that caused significant harm. This crime is classified under part 2 of Article 246 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine and can lead to up to five years of imprisonment. Additionally, the father faces charges under part 2 of Article 304 of the Criminal Code for involving a minor in criminal activities, punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

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

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