The SBI served a notice of suspicion to an official of a natural park in Zakarpattia region, who allowed illegal logging (VIDEO)

The SBI served a notice of suspicion to the head of the environmental protection department of the Uzhansky National Nature Park, who allowed illegal felling of trees worth over UAH 157 million.

The official authorized the felling of trees on the territory of the national park without the necessary approval from the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine.

The SBI, in cooperation with the Internal Security Department of the National Police of Ukraine, served the official a notice of suspicion of abuse of power by a law enforcement officer, which caused grave consequences (Part 2 of Article 28, Part 3 of Article 365 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

The sanction of the article provides for punishment in the form of imprisonment for up to 10 years.

During the notification of suspicion, the official tried to escape, introduced herself as another person and called on her relatives and neighbors to oppose law enforcement.

Motions are being prepared to remove the woman from office and to impose a custodial measure of restraint.

The investigation is ongoing, and the full range of people involved in the illegal logging is being identified.

Procedural guidance is being provided by the specialized environmental prosecutor's office of the Zakarpattia Regional Prosecutor's Office.