Law enforcement officials uncover a large-scale scheme involving the illegal mining of amber
A large-scale special operation is underway in Ukraine, as part of which law enforcement officials are conducting dozens of searches in connection with a case involving the illegal extraction of amber. According to preliminary data, this involves an organized scheme that has caused significant damage to the environment and the state budget—the total losses may exceed hundreds of millions of hryvnias.
Investigations are currently ongoing to identify all individuals involved in the illegal activity and determine the scale of the mining.
“Yes, procedural measures (searches — ed.) are currently being carried out. We will release all details after the investigative actions are completed,” said Yulia Girdvilis, Head of the Communications Department of the National Police of Ukraine.
The Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine confirmed that searches are being conducted as part of criminal proceedings regarding large-scale illegal amber mining.
“The investigation is ongoing, and searches are being conducted today as part of the criminal proceedings. No further information is available at this time,” replied Mariana Gayovska-Kovbasyuk, head of the OGP’s press service, in response to a request from the editorial staff.
Context
Information about searches conducted as part of an investigation into the activities of organized groups involved in the illegal extraction of amber on June 9 appeared on social media.
According to this information, law enforcement officers are conducting 40 searches in various regions. They are inspecting extraction sites, equipment, documentation, and potential distribution channels for illegally mined amber.
According to preliminary data, the suspects illegally mined amber in gross violation of environmental protection laws—during their operations, they completely destroyed the fertile soil layer, which severely damaged the ecosystem.
Law enforcement officials are currently identifying all individuals involved in the illegal operation.
According to preliminary estimates, the damage caused to the environment exceeds 350 million hryvnias.
In addition, the investigation uncovered tens of millions of hryvnias in unpaid rent, resulting in losses to the state budget.
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