Do State Inspectorate employees have the right to inspect vehicles and personal belongings of citizens?

Employees of the State Inspectorate for the Protection of Fauna and Flora sometimes encounter a lack of understanding from fishermen. The fight against poaching and other violations of environmental legislation in modern realities requires an appropriate approach and certain powers, without which its implementation would be ineffective or impossible altogether.

Unfortunately, citizens do not always demonstrate understanding in this matter. From time to time, conflict situations arise on water bodies, during which fishermen begin to assert their rights and obstruct inspectors from searching vehicles, boats, and fishing gear, citing the inadmissibility of such actions by the "fish inspectorate". And here they are mistaken! In accordance with clause 13.5 of the Decree of the President of the Republic of Belarus No. 27 of 15.01.2025, during control activities, employees of the State Inspectorate for the Protection of Fauna and Flora are entitled to stop transport and floating means, vessels and conduct their inspection. In addition, inspectors have the right to conduct personal searches of citizens.