On 20-29 December within the framework of the interdepartmental crime prevention operation “Spruce 2016” the forest inspectors have carried out 1116 raids, including in cooperation with the police

According to the results of supervisory activities, 5 cases of illegal cutting of coniferous young stand have been found on the territory of forest reserve. In respect of 1 case of illegal cutting the materials have been forwarded to law enforcement agencies, 4 cases are considered under administrative procedure.

Let us recall the amount of fines and damage for the illegal cutting of coniferous trees for New Year trees.

The individuals, officials and legal entities responsible for the illegal cutting of coniferous trees as the New Year trees must compensate damage caused to the forestry and be held administratively liable in accordance with the Article 8.28 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Russian Federation No. 195-FZ dated December 30, 2001.

Subject to the Paragraph 1 (Illegal cutting, damage to or digging of trees, shrubs or vines) the following administrative fines are imposed:

          - On individuals – from 3.0 to 4.0 thousand rubles;

          - On officials – from 20.0 to 40.0 thousand rubles;

          - On legal entities – from 200.0 to 300.0 thousand rubles.

Subject to the Paragraph 2 (the same actions but committed with the use of mechanisms, motor vehicles, self-propelled vehicles and other equipment, if these actions do not contain a criminal offense) the following administrative fines are imposed:

          - On individuals – from 4.0 to 5.0 thousand rubles;

          - On officials – from 40.0 to 50.0 thousand rubles;

          - On legal entities – from 300.0 to 500.0 thousand rubles.

Subject to the Paragraph 3 (acquisition, storage, transportation or sale of knowingly illegally logged timber, if these actions do not contain essential elements of a criminal offense) the following administrative fines are imposed:

          - On individuals – 5.0 thousand rubles;

          - On officials – 50.0 thousand rubles;

          - On legal entities – from 400.0 to 700.0 thousand rubles.

In addition to the administrative fine the illegally cut tree is seized (confiscated) for sale through the Federal Property Management Agency, for sale through the auction.

Moreover, on the territory of the Republic of Tatarstan it is prohibited to harvest Silver fir for New Year trees.

The Spruce operation will last through to December 31, 2016 inclusive.