Sochi Court Convicts Man in National Park Land Theft Scheme
A district court in Sochi has handed down a suspended sentence to a man involved in a land theft scheme targeting Sochi National Park. The defendant admitted his role in the conspiracy and provided testimony against other members of the criminal group.
The case centres on the illegal seizure of a forest plot, where rare tree species grow. Investigators say the group forged documents to claim ownership before attempting to sell the land.
The convicted man worked with a gardening association chairman, who also operated as a real estate agent and represented a construction firm. Together, they arranged the clearing of 3.7 hectares of protected forest to mimic legitimate gardening work. The chairman then oversaw the registration of the plot in the state property database, preparing it for sale.
During the trial, the defendant cooperated fully with prosecutors. His testimony helped uncover the broader scheme, leading to a reduced sentence of three years in prison, suspended for a three-year probation period. Authorities continue to investigate other suspects linked to the case. No names have been released regarding individuals still under scrutiny for their involvement in the land fraud or related activities.
The court’s ruling marks the first conviction in a wider probe into the theft of national park land. The suspended sentence reflects the defendant’s cooperation, while the investigation into remaining members of the group remains active. The case highlights ongoing efforts to combat illegal land seizures in protected areas.
