Timber traders have illegally deforested all trees in woodland near Brătuşeni village, Edineț district. Transports have no access to this area and the land remains unprotected. Locals, however, blame the authorities. 

The traces reveal that the trees were just cut down in the last two days. Moreover, the wood was pulled out of the forest by the sledge. 

Brătuşeni locals say the stolen wood will be sold at lower price than one on the market. 

"Wood now is sold at 800 - 950 lei per stere while the wood illegal cut down costs only 500 lei per stere. It's profitable". 

"Nobody cares, not even the mayor."

"Illegal deforestation takes place, but local authorities have to take care. Sadly, this does not happen."

Local authorities say they don't afford to hire guards.

Ecological inspectors in Edineț are to determine the damages caused by wood thieves. In this case, the law provides for a fine of up to 1500 lei plus environmental damage.

Since the beginning of the year, there have been five cases of illicit cutting of forests in the Edinet district and fines of 4500 lei have been imposed.