In Vinnytsia region SBU revealed the management of a private brickyard that organized illicit extraction of minerals for brick production.

Violating the rules of mineral resources use, the organizers initiated mining of clay on communal lands without any license. The businessmen illegally extracted raw materials for manufacturing bricks.     

According to preliminary estimates, since the beginning of this year, the offenders have illegally extracted almost 3,000 cubic meters of clay. The damage to the state is up to UAH 2,000,000 (USD 71,429).      

During the searches at mining site, the law enforcement found special equipment, circa 500,000 bricks worth UAH 1.5 million (USD 53,572), which are planned to be seized.

Investigation is ongoing within the criminal proceedings initiated for violation of rules related to the protection or use of subsoil in order to establish the amount of environmental damage caused to the state. The issue of bringing the perpetrators to justice is being resolved.        

The operation was carried out jointly with the Main Department of the National Police in Vinnytsia region under the legal supervision of the Prosecutor's Office of Vinnytsia region.