Tree felling in Nalchik resulted in a criminal case.

Investigators have opened a criminal case in connection with the felling of more than 30 trees in Nalchik.

As reported by the "Caucasian Knot," work to widen the roadway on Karashayeva Street in central Nalchik began on January 5th. The plan called for the felling of approximately 70 coniferous trees; within 24 hours, workers had cut down more than 30 of them. On the afternoon of January 6th, the head of Kabardino-Balkaria, Kazbek Kokov, ordered the work to be suspended in response to complaints from residents. Investigators have launched an investigation into allegations of illegal logging. Officials promised that the green space on Karashayeva Street, where more than 30 coniferous trees were felled, will be restored. After meeting with residents, they refused to widen the roadway.

A criminal case has been opened in Kabardino-Balkaria following the felling of more than 30 trees in the republic's capital in anticipation of work to widen Karashaeva Street, the regional Investigative Committee reported.

"According to investigators, in January 2026, employees of a contractor, acting under the terms of a municipal contract for the major repairs of Karashaeva Street, illegally cut down 32 spruce trees with a total volume of more than 718 cubic meters without the necessary permits. The damage was estimated at 150,000 rubles. Administration officials, demonstrating dishonesty in concluding and monitoring the execution of the contract, committed violations that led to "infringement of residents' rights to a favorable environment," the Investigative Committee noted.

Investigators opened criminal cases under Part 1 of Article 293 of the Russian Criminal Code (negligence) and Part 3 of Article 260 of the Russian Criminal Code (illegal logging of forests committed on a large scale).