PERSONS ENGAGED IN OPERATIONALLY SIGNIFICANT BEHAVIOUR WHEN COMMITTING ENVIRONMENTAL CRIMES IN THE FIELD OF MINERAL RESOURCE USE

Abstract

The article states that the problem of environmental damage caused by illegal mining is linked to the excessive profitability of this illegal activity, the involvement of officials (law enforcement and environmental protection agencies) who ensure the unhindered conduct of illegal activities, and, accordingly, with blatant disregard for the safety of the natural environment in the process of subsoil use. The article identifies individuals who engage in operationally significant behaviour, including the following categories: responsible employees of subsoil use entities who, by the nature of their activities, are required to comply with environmental safety rules or monitor their implementation by other persons; officials and responsible employees of business entities who ensure compliance with environmental safety rules for subsoil use entities; environmental control officials; rank-and-file employees of subsoil use entities who may commit environmental crimes either on their own initiative or on the instructions of their superiors; persons engaged in illegal extraction of minerals; specially authorised persons responsible for construction, dredging and blasting works, laying cables, pipelines and other communications at facilities (land, water bodies, protected natural areas, etc.) that have environmental protection status.