DESTRUCTION AND DAMAGE OF FOREST STANDS AND OTHER PLANTINGS IN ORDER TO CONCEAL THEIR THEFT

Zharov Konstantin Aleksandrovich

The article provides a criminal law analysis of crimes related to the destruction and damage of forest plantations, qualified under Article 261 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, but committed with the intention of concealing their theft. Judicial practices and statistical data are examined, indicating a low level of prosecution for such crimes. The author emphasizes the importance of differentiating criminal liability depending on the intent to commit crimes related to careless handling of fire and other sources of increased danger. The problems of proving guilt and the effectiveness of investigating arsons motivated by other criminal actions are also considered. The article underscores the importance of proper qualification of actions to combat crimes causing harm to forest resources and the environment.

Keywords:forest plantations, illegal logging, arson, destruction and damage to forest plantations, environmental damage, qualification