As a result of operative-searching and investigative activities carried out by the representatives of Investigation Service of the Ministry of Finance of Georgia, in coordination with Prosecutor`s Office of West Georgia, two individuals were detained on the fact of carrying out illegal entrepreneurial activity, illegal logging and violation of sawmill registration requirements.

Investigation determined that one of the detainees during the period of 2025-2026, in the village of Nakhshirghele in Terjola Municipality, illegally cut down 34 linden trees and 13 coniferous trees in a state forest area without relevant permit and transported obtained timber to the area adjacent to his residential house.

On March 28, 2026, second accused person, using an unregistered mobile sawmill, was processing illegally cut timber and producing planks, at which time representatives of Investigation Service detained both individuals as accused persons.

Investigation is underway under the first part of Article 192, first part of 287¹ and Part 5 of Article 303, of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which envisage imprisonment from five to seven years.

Investigation Service of the Ministry of Finance of Georgia continues active investigative activities to identify other persons involved in the criminal scheme and ensure legal measures against them.