In Rivne region, SBU blocked a large-scale embezzlement of forest resources by the management of the state forestry.

SBU operatives established that the state forestry enterprise officials set up the illicit scheme of trees logging under the guise of sanitary works. Money laundering was carried out through shell companies.

Within the initiated criminal proceedings, law enforcement officers conducted more than 15 searches and other activities in Kyiv and Rivne regions. During searches of the State Forest Resources Agency of Ukraine, forestry, residences and vehicles of the suspects, SBU officers seized bank cards, computers, drafts and documents proving the fraud.

According to preliminary estimates, the state suffered over UAH 6 million (USD 206,897) losses.

The pre-trial investigation initiated upon the fact of misappropriation, embezzlement or conversion of property by malversation is underway. The issue of serving the offenders a suspicion notice is being resolved. The SBU are identifying other persons involved in illegal activities.

The operation was conducted by the SBU Office in Rivne region in assistance with the SBU Main Directorate for Counterintelligence Protection of the State's Interests in Economic Security jointly with the Territorial Department of the State Bureau of Investigation in city of Khmelnytskyi under the procedural supervision of the Rivne Region Prosecutor’s Office.