VIDEO // Over 1,000 trees illegally cut at central Moldova forestry district, causing damage of more than 500,000 lei

Environmental inspectors have discovered 1,007 illegally cut trees following an unannounced inspection ordered by Environment Minister Gheorghe Hajder, at the Ghidighici forestry district of the Chisinau Forestry Enterprise. The inspections were carried out with the involvement of inspectors from more regions of the country, a measure taken to avoid possible “local arrangements.”

During the inspection, the inspectors checked all forest cantons, where they identified stumps of trees of various species and sizes, resulting from forestry operations carried out without the required permits. According to preliminary findings, the damage caused by the illegal logging exceeds 567,000 lei, while the value of the resulting timber, at market price, is estimated at almost 240,000 lei.

"Environmental inspectors found that the timber resulting from forestry works carried out in 2025 was missing. Comparing the data from the accounting records with the timber physically present revealed significant discrepancies, with the actual quantity being considerably lower than the one reflected in the accounting documents. In addition, the checks uncovered 178 cubic meters of timber with no accounting records," the Environment Ministry said.

According to the cited source, the gravity of the situation is amplified by the fact that those involved allegedly tried to destroy the traces of illegal logging by burning tires directly on the stumps, so that the fire would erase the evidence and prevent proving the existence of the trees cut.

"We firmly condemn any infringement of the legal framework governing forest management and warn that failure to comply with the law will result in strict liability, regardless of the position or function of those involved. Inspections will continue," the Environment Ministry concludes.

In Moldova, forests are not only the country’s “green lungs,” but also a valuable resource strictly protected by law. Illegal tree cutting without the necessary permits results in clear and concrete sanctions, meant to discourage any abusive exploitation.

Individuals who cut trees without authorization risk fines ranging from 1,500 to 10,000 lei, while legal entities or companies involved can receive penalties of up to 50,000 lei, depending on the amount of timber exploited illegally. Timber got  without permission is confiscated and the authorities may use it for environmental restoration or for the benefit of the community.

In serious cases, when illegal logging causes economic or ecological damage, the act becomes a criminal offense and may result in imprisonment from 6 months to 3 years, as well as an obligation to fully compensate the damage, which can reach hundreds of thousands of lei, as recent inspections have shown.

Officials involved in illegal logging are subject to additional liability: they risk dismissal from office and criminal prosecution, and the regulations provide for a ban on carrying out forestry activities for specific periods.