Moldova Environment Minister orders mass resignations after major illegal logging scandal
Environment Minister Gheorghe Hajder has called for sweeping resignations and criminal proceedings following the discovery of massive illegal logging at the Ghidighici Forestry District. Inspectors identified 1,007 illegally felled trees, labeling the case as one of the most severe forestry crimes in recent years.
The damage to the national forest fund is estimated at over €29,075 (approx. 567,000 MDL), with the stolen timber valued at an additional €12,308 (approx. 240,000 MDL). Minister Hajder emphasized that the forest is "not a private fiefdom" and that systemic abuses will no longer be tolerated.
Criminal tactics exposed
Evidence suggests a desperate attempt by local officials to cover their tracks. Investigators found that tires had been incinerated directly on the remaining tree stumps to destroy physical evidence of the illegal felling.
To ensure an unbiased audit, the Ministry deployed inspectors from other regions of the country. This strategy was designed to bypass potential "local agreements" between district staff and environmental monitors.
Systemic reform underway
The scandal broke as Nicolae Munteanu was introduced as the new Director of the Moldsilva Agency. The leadership change comes amid intense public pressure to reform the forestry sector and meet the goals of the 2026 National Afforestation Program.
The Environmental Protection Inspectorate (IPM) is currently finalizing a report for the Prosecutor’s Office. At least two criminal cases involving large-scale timber theft and illegal logging are expected to be initiated shortly.
A zero-tolerance policy
Minister Hajder met with forestry directors nationwide to signal a new era of discipline. He noted significant discrepancies in the 2025 records, including 178 cubic meters of timber that vanished from official accounting.
"We have a common goal: protecting and expanding Moldova's forest cover," Hajder stated. The Ministry reaffirmed that all future violations will be met with immediate legal sanctions and institutional restructuring.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
