Forensic Examinations in the Investigation of Illegal Forest Logging

The author discusses key types of examinations assigned in the investigation of illegal logging. Criminal cases of this category are analyzed, and quantitative indices of the use of specific examinations are defined. Objects of examinations and key questions answered in their process are presented. The effectiveness of using specific examinations in the investigation illegal logging is studied. The author points out the existing problems of examinations, such as the adequacy of the material-technical basis, the sufficiency of the number of experts, the remoteness of some examination grounds. It is suggested that DNA analyses of timber should be conducted for the purposes of identification. In conclusion the author states that an expert’s opinion is one of the key proofs in the investigation of illegal logging when law enforcement employees use opportunities offered by modern science.