A long-standing failure to comply with phytosanitary regulations has led to a criminal case against a greenhouse complex in the Smolensk region, Russia, according to the regional office of Rosselkhoznadzor.
The issue dates back to June 2016, when a phytosanitary quarantine zone of 1.6 hectares was established in the complex following the detection of the Western flower thrips. Authorities approved a program to localize and eliminate the pest population. However, an unscheduled inspection in early 2020 revealed that cucumbers, tomatoes, and lettuce were being transported out of the quarantine zone without the required phytosanitary certificates, violating the localization program.
Despite multiple orders to address these violations, the greenhouse complex failed to comply. Continuous inspections confirmed ongoing non-compliance, leading Rosselkhoznadzor to file a lawsuit in September 2022. By December 2022, a court ruled that the company must issue quarantine certificates for all produce leaving the restricted area.
The situation worsened in May 2023, when another pest—South American tomato moth—was found in the complex. This expanded the quarantine zone to 6.12 hectares, including the buffer area.
A further inspection in November 2024, approved by the Smolensk regional prosecutor's office, confirmed that the greenhouse was still failing to ensure phytosanitary safety, as quarantine certificates were not being issued.
"Since the company continuously ignored both official orders and a legally binding court decision, the Federal Bailiff Service initiated enforcement proceedings in 2023 and 2024. Finally, in March 2025, Rosselkhoznadzor was informed that a criminal case had been opened under Article 315, Part 2 of the Russian Criminal Code due to systematic violations of plant quarantine laws and the prolonged failure to comply with court orders," the agency's press service reported.
Source: www.rabochy-put.ru