The Security Service of Ukraine in Vinnytsia region detained an organizer of a group, engaged in illegal logging of over 200 species of fine timber for sale. The suspect expected to avoid responsibility for USD 5,000.

Allegedly, five residents of the region arranged the scheme of illegal sale of state-owned timber. The SBU officers documented that the suspects logged oaks in Vinnytsia district aiming to sell it to local businessmen.

According to preliminary estimates of environmentalists, the amount of damage caused by the suspects to the state is more than UAH 3,000,000 (USD 100,000)

For not being prosecuted, the organizer of the illegal business offered money to an official of the State Environmental Inspection and the special service officer, who immediately informed their management about the received "offer".

SBU operatives detained the leader of the group while trying to hand over a bribe.

The suspect is served a notice of suspicion of the crime under Part 3 Article 369 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

The pre-trial investigation is ongoing to establish all the circumstances or the crime and bring to responsibility other involved.

The operation was conducted jointly with the State Environmental Inspection in Vinnytsia region, the regional office of the National Police under the supervision of the Prosecutor’s Office of Vinnytsia region.