A 43-year-old resident of Lepel who was illegally fishing with nets during the seasonal fishing ban was detained on Lake Dolhaye in the Lepel District. On the night of June 6–7, officers from the State Inspectorate for the Protection of Fauna and Flora were waiting for the poacher when he reached the shore with his catch.
Investigators seized the fish, nets and boat and ordered an ichthyological examination. It was established that the man had illegally caught 16 fish, including bream, crucian carp, tench and perch. The damage to the environment was estimated at more than 5,200 rubles.
The man had previously been convicted of illegal fishing and violence against an officer of the State Inspectorate for the Protection of Fauna and Flora. A criminal case has been opened under an article covering illegal fishing committed by a person previously convicted of a similar offence. The accused has been placed in custody, the Investigative Committee’s press service said.
The Investigative Committee reminded the public that during the fishing ban period, environmental damage caused through the use of prohibited fishing methods and equipment is calculated at three times the standard rate.
