Three individuals have been detained in the Oguz district on suspicion of illegal logging and land seizure in the villages of Khachmazgishlag and Yagublu. The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) reported that the actions resulted in significant environmental damage to the region.
According to the regional group of the MIA press service, which provided information to the Operative Information Center-OMM, a 58-year-old resident of Khachmazgishlag, identified as A. Mammadov, was detained for cutting down 15 alder trees, causing damage exceeding 5,000 AZN. Additionally, two other individuals were apprehended in Yagublu for the illegal seizure of 60 hectares of municipal land and the destruction of 350 blackthorn bushes, resulting in more than 26,000 AZN in damages.
Azerbaijan has recently intensified its efforts to combat environmental crimes and illegal land use as part of its broader ecological preservation strategy. Under the country's Criminal Code, illegal logging and the unauthorized occupation of state or municipal lands carry significant legal penalties, including heavy fines and potential imprisonment. Law enforcement agencies continue to monitor rural and forested areas to prevent the depletion of natural resources and ensure the protection of biodiversity across the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Criminal cases have been initiated under the relevant articles of the Criminal Code, and investigations are currently ongoing.
