The Security Service of Ukraine exposed an illegal limestone quarry in Odesa region. The actions of the suspects caused environmental damage to the state of more than UAH 25 m (USD 900,000).

The SBU established that the suspects were mining minerals of national importance without any appropriate permits. The offenders sold the illegally mined limestone to local private companies without paying taxes. The illegal mining was carried out in gross violation of labor protection legislation, which could have led to emergencies.

During the searches of the quarry, the law enforcement officers seized products prepared for sale in the amount of over UAH 500,000 (USD 18,000). Equipment for quarrying and transportation of stones was also seized.

According to preliminary estimates, the amount of damage caused to the environment amounts to more than UAH 25 m.

The investigation is ongoing upon the fact of violation of rules related to the protection of mineral resources. The issue of serving suspicion notices to the offenders is being settled.

The operation was conducted jointly with investigators of the National Police and the State Ecological Inspection in Odesa region under the supervision of Odesa Region Prosecutor's Office.

Note:

To remind, the SBU Head Ivan Bakanov emphasized at the meeting at the Prosecutor General’s Office that thanks to SBU investigations, 184 criminal proceedings concerning ecological crimes were initiated. According to him, there are frequent facts of illegal mining.