The Prosecutor's Office of Borodulikha District identified more than 30 violations during raids on the territory of the Semey Ormany forest fund. These included illegal logging, violations of fire safety requirements and administrative offences by drivers.
WHAT VIOLATIONS WERE IDENTIFIED
According to the Borodulikha District Prosecutor's Office, the raid activities identified 6 instances of illegal logging. Pre-trial investigations were launched in three of them, and administrative proceedings were initiated in the other three.
In addition, prosecutors suspended logging operations in 20 blocks. In five further cases, they recorded the operation of machinery in violation of fire safety requirements, including the use of vehicles without spark arresters.
VIOLATIONS AMONG DRIVERS
The checks also identified more than 20 administrative offences. These included driving vehicles without driving licences and the relevant categories, operating machinery without state registration plates and driving vehicles while under the influence of alcohol.
WHAT MEASURES WERE TAKEN
Appropriate measures were taken in respect of all the violations identified.
The Prosecutor's Office continues raid activities aimed at ensuring legality and preserving the forest fund.
CONTEXT
The Semey Ormany reserve has repeatedly found itself in the spotlight because of major forest fires and the aftermath of their extinguishment.
In June 2023, a major forest fire occurred in Semey Ormany, as a result of which, according to official data, 14 forestry employees died. The area of the fire was 60,000 hectares.
Subsequently, the Borodulikha District Court of the Abai Region found two former heads of the reserve and the Novoshulbinsk branch guilty. Each was sentenced to 7 years' imprisonment.
Subsequently, the reserve again faced a major fire. On 16 July 2026, a fire broke out on its territory. The fire was contained on 18 July, and its complete extinguishment was officially announced on 28 July.
At the same time, the FBK editorial team identified a discrepancy in the assessment of the fire area. It turned out to be significantly larger than the preliminary estimate. According to data from the NASA FIRMS fire monitoring system, around 1,676 hectares were covered by the fire, whereas 370 hectares had previously been reported.
Earlier, the National Security Committee (NSC), together with the Prosecutor General's Office, shut down the activities of Semey Ormany officials suspected of organising illegal logging and the sale of timber. According to the investigation, they ensured unhindered access to the most valuable forest areas in exchange for monetary rewards.
