A resident of the Verkhnyadzvinsk district will stand trial on charges of illegal hunting (Part 2 of Article 282 of the Criminal Code) for capturing three martens, the Investigative Committee reported.
In December 2025, the 50-year-old man set four traps near the village of Novae Syalo — three for martens and one for a beaver or an otter. The man did not have hunter status or the necessary permits.
During his first inspection he found two martens in the traps, removed their pelts and took the catch home. During the next check he found a third marten. He placed the carcass in his backpack and headed toward the river to inspect the fourth trap. At that moment he was spotted by officers of the State Inspectorate for the Protection of Animal and Plant Life.
Investigators established that he was hunting without permission and was checking traps at night, which is prohibited for trap hunting without firearms. During questioning the man said he had not expected to encounter anyone in the forest.
Environmental damage was estimated at more than 4,400 rubles. The accused fully compensated for the damage.
