The State Duma introduced criminal liability for the collection of mushrooms and plants from the Red Book

The deputies of the State Duma adopted law, which introduces criminal liability for the destruction, illegal collection and trafficking of especially valuable plants and mushrooms listed in the Red Book of Russia or protected by international treaties. The maximum penalty under the new criminal article will be up to nine years in prison.

A new article will be introduced into the Criminal Code of Russia – 260.1 (deliberate destruction or damage, as well as illegal extraction, collection and trafficking of especially valuable plants and mushrooms belonging to species listed in the Red Book of Russia and (or) protected by international treaties of Russia).

According to the law, illegal extraction, collection, acquisition, storage or sale of rare mushrooms, plants or their parts and derivatives can be punished by up to four years in prison and a fine of up to 1 million rubles. If the same crime is committed using one’s official position or with a public demonstration, the maximum punishment for it will be up to six years in prison and a fine of 2 million rubles.

For illegal purchase or sale using the media or the Internet faces a penalty of up to five years in prison and a fine of 1.5 million rubles. If the crime was committed using one’s official position, the maximum term of imprisonment is seven years, the fine is 3 million rubles.

For illegal purchase or sale through the media or the Internet, committed by prior conspiracy by a group of persons or an organized group, the maximum punishment is nine years in prison and a fine of up to 3 million rubles.

Olesya Pavlenko