Two men were detained near Cuconestii Noi for illegal fishing in the Costesti-Stanca reservoir. They are accused of illegally harvesting more than 400 fish of various species with monofilament nets, which are banned by law, IPN reports.

The Environmental Protection Inspectorate said the damage caused to the environment amounted to 784 thousand lei.

"This offense is severely sanctioned, given the negative impact on the countryˮs aquatic ecosystems and natural resources," a press release from the institution said.

According to the Criminal Code of the Republic of Moldova, such actions are punishable by a fine ranging from 550 to 1050 conventional units (1 c.u.=50 lei) or unpaid community service from 180 to 240 hours, or imprisonment of up to one year.