The Security Service of Ukraine blocked the illegal mining of raw amber, which was "protected" by an officer of the patrol police of Rivne region.

Within the framework of the initiated criminal proceedings, the law enforcement conducted 12 searches at the place of work of the police officer and in the premises of other involved persons. SBU officers seized over 150 kg of raw amber, in particular, large factions with a total value of UAH 2,200,000 (USD 74,907). Stone processing equipment and almost USD 7,000, probably obtained illegally, were found as well.  Moreover, the attackers use special equipment for its industrial processing in order to sell the amber.

Allegedly, since November 2019, the policeman has systematically demanded money from participants of illegal extraction of sunstone. He "guaranteed" that the businessmen would not be prosecuted for improper gain. The suspect received USD 100-200 from each motor pump for a day of "unimpeded" work. Additionally, the SBU documented several facts of policeman bribe-taking.

The official was suspected of illegal benefit and blackmail (Part 3 Art. 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). The custody in the type of detention is being decided. The pre-trial investigation is ongoing to bring other persons involved in the case to justice.

The exposing operation was carried out jointly with the Territorial Department of the State Bureau of Investigations in Khmelnitskyi city under the procedural guidance of the Prosecutor's Office of Rivne region.