Russians told to dob in green bandits

Russians will soon be rewarded for grassing on people who break environmental laws. Russia's Ministry of Natural Resources says businesses often violate regulations seriously damaging the environment.

The ministry is taking the measure because it doesn't have enough inspectors.

Rewards will be paid for information that leads to a prosecution.

It's been welcomed by environmentalists who say a similar practice has been in use in the U.S. for over thirty years. Human Rights activists, though, have criticised the move saying it will affect people's privacy.