946 cases of illegal forest use were identified by the Environmental Supervision Department of Georgia’s Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture between January 1 and June 30, 2026.
Of the identified violations, 711 cases involved illegal timber harvesting and transportation, while 235 cases were related to violations of sawmill regulations and other illegal activities.
The Department said 110 cases contained indications of criminal offenses, with relevant materials forwarded to the appropriate authorities for further action.
During the first six months of 2026, inspectors sealed 36 unregistered sawmills.
The highest number of violations was recorded in Adjara, with 222 cases, followed by Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti with 174, Kakheti with 172, Imereti with 124, Samtskhe-Javakheti with 66, Kvemo Kartli with 48, Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti with 39, Guria with 39, Shida Kartli with 32, and Mtskheta-Mtianeti with 25.
Five violations were identified in Tbilisi, including two illegal sawmills, one case of illegal timber transportation, and two violations of sawmill technical regulations.
