More than 17,000 metric tons of sapropel were illegally extracted in the Kyiv region
In the Kyiv region, law enforcement officers uncovered illegal sapropel mining, which caused more than 26.7 million hryvnias in losses to the state. Three people have been notified of their status as suspects in the case.
The investigation into the illegal activity was conducted by investigators from the Investigative Department of the Main Directorate of the National Police in Kyiv Oblast, with operational support from officers of the Department for Activities Involving Hazardous Materials of the National Police of Ukraine.
Prosecutors from the Kyiv Regional Prosecutor’s Office oversaw the proceedings, and specialists from the State Environmental Inspection of the Capital District were involved in documenting the offense.
According to the investigation, in 2024–2025, within the territory of the Irpin City Territorial Community in the Bucha District, one of the suspects organized the extraction of sapropel without a special permit for subsoil use.
To carry out the work, according to law enforcement officials, he hired workers and arranged for the use of trucks, excavators, and a loader.
The organizer, along with his accomplices, according to the investigation, carried out the illegal extraction, prepared initial accounting documents, and posted advertisements for the sale of the mineral online.
Payment for the extracted sapropel was received via bank transfers and in cash.
In total, according to law enforcement, 16,411 cubic meters of sapropel—amounting to over 17,200 metric tons—were extracted without the proper permit.
The market value of the extracted mineral is estimated at 16.1 million UAH, while the amount of damages caused to the state totals 26,708,902 UAH.
The organizer of the illegal extraction has been notified of suspicion under Part 3 of Article 27 and Part 3 of Article 240 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine—organizing the illegal extraction of mineral resources by a group of individuals through prior conspiracy on a large scale.
Two other suspects are charged with aiding and abetting this criminal offense under Part 5 of Article 27 and Part 3 of Article 240 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
Law enforcement officials are currently establishing all the circumstances surrounding the illegal extraction and the role of each participant in the scheme.
At the same time, the circumstances described are based on the investigation, and the suspects’ guilt must be proven in court.
This was reported by the National Police of Ukraine.
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