Officers of the Department of Environmental Protection contacted the Kaunas Regional Prosecutor's Office regarding the illegal felling of 89 protected plantations in Anykštėnai village, Alytus district. It was found that the felling of the trees without a permit had caused significant damage to the environment and possible illegal appropriation of timber. 

On 9 January 2025, following a report of protected plantations that may have been removed without a permit in a state forest in the village of Anykštėnai, in the Alytus District, officers carried out an inspection.   

The 21 tree stumps were found on the above-mentioned public land plot. An inspection of another nearby public land plot found 68 tree stumps, their diameters were measured on the spot – the trees are to be protected. 

According to the investigative material gathered, there are indications that the felled timber from the public land has been taken possibly illegally.  

Based on the data collected during the inspection and in accordance with Article 270 and Article 277 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Lithuania, the Department has requested the opening of a pre-trial investigation.