Amber mafia exposed in Rivne region: losses exceed UAH 350 million
23 May 04:00
A powerful criminal organization that has been engaged in illegal amber mining for two years has been shut down in Rivne region. According to the investigation, the environmental damage amounts to more than UAH 350 million. This is reported by the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine, "Komersant Ukrainian" informs
How did the amber scheme work?
The criminal organization consisted of seven people, including the director of one of the branches of the State Enterprise “Forests of Ukraine”. According to the investigation, it was the entrepreneur, who later became the head and founder of the company, who created this scheme at the end of 2021 for the purpose of industrial amber mining in violation of the law.
To make the activity look legal, the company received two special permits for geological exploration of amber deposits – on an area of 20 hectares of forestry. However, instead of exploration, massive mining began.
The law allows for the extraction of no more than 5 kg of amber per 1 hectare during geological exploration. In this case, more than 5 tons were mined.
Each participant had a role to play:
- providing equipment for the mines
- recruitment of diggers
- weighing, packaging and transportation of amber
- organization of sales
- concealing traces of illegal activity
- contacts with officials and law enforcement officers
From June 2022 to May 2024, the group mined amber both within and outside the permitted areas, violating all the norms of the subsoil legislation.
Experts confirmed the damage
The results of expert studies confirmed significant environmental damage caused by unauthorized use of subsoil. This includes the destruction of ecosystems, deforestation, and disruption of soil structure.
What is the situation with the suspects now?
- Six suspects were detained in accordance with Article 208 of the CPC of Ukraine
- The issue of choosing a measure of restraint is being decided
- They are charged with participation in a criminal organization and illegal mining using their official position
(Art. 255 and Art. 240-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine)
The investigation is being conducted by the SBI Main Investigation Department with the support of the SBU.
