In 2022, a colonel of the National Guard exceeded his military authority by organizing illegal deforestation with the help of subordinate soldiers.
This is stated in the court verdict, published in the Unified State Register of Court Decisions.
Case Details
According to the case materials, from February to August 2022, the commander of the military unit issued orders to his subordinates for the cutting down of trees in the client area known as "Black Forest," where his unit was stationed at that time. As a result of this activity, 92 trees were destroyed, causing damage to the state amounting to over 4.4 million hryvnias.
During the court proceedings, Andrey M. admitted his guilt, explaining that the wood was used to construct bunkers and to heat approximately two thousand servicemen. However, the director of the client stated that no official permits for deforestation had been issued. The head of the Lisetsk settlement council noted that at the onset of the war, the local community tried to support the military in every way possible, including providing them with resources such as wood.
Court Decision
The prosecutor requested a prison sentence for the accused during the court session. However, the court took into account the character references of the military unit commander and their status as combat participants.
After a thorough review of the case, Judge Maksym Oliinyk of the Tysmenytsia District Court found Andrey M. guilty of exceeding his official authority and illegal logging. He was sentenced to 2 years of restriction in official rights. Currently, he will not be eligible for promotion or advancement in rank and is required to contribute 20% of his monthly salary to the state budget.