Harvesting specific mushroom varieties may lead to legal consequences for Russians, authorities caution.

In Russia, the collection of certain mushroom species is a serious offense, with both administrative and criminal penalties in place to deter such actions. Civil law attorney Alla Georgieva reported this information to Izvestia.

The collection of over 200 protected mushroom species, including common mushrooms, red webcap, alpine earthball, and certain types of fly agaric, can result in fines and imprisonment. The penalties for collecting protected mushrooms increase in severity with the rarity and value of the mushroom species.

The destruction of a mushroom, defined as cutting its stalk, can lead to a fine of 2 to 5 thousand rubles for an individual and a fine of 300 thousand to 1 million rubles for a legal entity. In severe cases, imprisonment may be applied, depending on the circumstances such as if a large quantity of protected mushrooms is collected or if the violator has previously committed similar actions.

Administrative responsibility also applies for the destruction of rare and endangered mushrooms. Penalties for collecting and destroying mushrooms apply to both individuals and legal entities, and may include corrective or compulsory labor, mandatory labor up to 480 hours, and imprisonment for up to four years.

The Russian Federal Service for Supervision of Natural Resource Usage (Rosprirodnadzor) and the Ministry of Internal Affairs (police) are responsible for imposing fines or penalties related to the collection of rare, endangered, or psychotropic mushrooms.

It is important to note that the collection of protected mushrooms for commercial purposes is illegal in Russia and can result in fines or criminal penalties. In the context of beekeeping, the collection of certain protected mushroom species may negatively impact bee populations and contribute to the honey shortage this year.

Civil law attorney Alla Georgieva emphasized that the penalties for collecting and destroying mushrooms are determined by the severity of the offense and the value or rarity of the mushroom species. She also highlighted that these penalties apply to mushrooms that are rare, endangered, or psychotropic, as well as those protected by international treaties or listed in the Red Book.

Russians aged 16 and above can face fines or criminal penalties for collecting rare, endangered, or psychotropic mushrooms. The collection of protected mushrooms is not limited to individuals, as legal entities in Russia can also face penalties for such actions.

In conclusion, the collection of protected mushrooms in Russia is a serious offense, with severe penalties in place to protect these valuable species and maintain the balance of ecosystems. It is crucial for everyone to be aware of the rules and regulations regarding the collection of mushrooms to avoid facing fines or imprisonment.