Illegal extraction of 200,000 tons of limestone uncovered in the Odesa region

In the Odesa region, law enforcement officials dismantled a large-scale operation involving the illegal extraction of limestone outside the permitted area and without licenses.

This was reported by environmental prosecutors.

According to the investigation, a group of individuals organized mining operations at a deposit in the Oknyanskyi district. From December 2025 to March 2026, they illegally extracted over 204,000 tons of minerals.

The work was carried out on an area of about 20 hectares, which is not included in the State Land Cadastre.

Seven individuals have been notified of suspicion in the case, including the company director, the site manager, three employees, and two accomplices.

The amount of environmental damage is estimated at nearly 1.3 million hryvnias.

The court imposed a preventive measure on the suspects in the form of detention with the option of bail.

NABU is initiating a re-audit to enhance the agency’s transparency.

As a reminder, NABU warned of the appearance of a clone of its website.

NABU also explained why corrupt officials are being released on bail.