In Rivne region, the SBU blocked smuggling of illegally mined raw amber. During the searches, 260 kilos of amber worth almost UAH 2 m (USD 70,000) were seized.

Allegedly, the offenders planned to smuggle amber to an East Asian country.

The illegal scheme was organized by three residents of the city of Sarny. The offenders illegally mined raw amber for sale on the black market, including to foreign "customers". They bought amber from other perpetrators in order to resale it.

During the searches of the offenders’ residences and utility rooms, the law enforcement seized:

• more than 260 kilos of large amber fractions;
• two hand-made motor pumps;
• other tools intended for the illegal extraction of amber.

The investigation is ongoing upon the fact of illegal extraction, sale, acquisition, transportation, processing of amber.

The operation was conducted jointly with the investigators of the Main Department of the National Police in Rivne Region under the supervision of Rivne Region Prosecutor’s Office.

Note:

Since the beginning of 2021, the SBU has exposed two organized groups in Rivne region that were engaged in the illegal extraction of raw amber on the territory of the state forest fund.

Six offenders were served notices of suspicion of illegal extraction, sale, acquisition, transportation, processing of amber. The indictments were sent to the courts.