The Security Service of Ukraine blocked the scheme of illegal transportation of wholesale consignments of valuable timber to the EU countries in the Zakarpattia region.

Allegedly, illegal deliveries were organized by one of the regional companies, specialized in the sale of large consignments of timber abroad. Despite the moratorium on the export valuable timber from Ukraine, the company illegally sold it to foreign customers. To avoid exposure, the exporter entered data in the customs declaration that did not correspond to the real type and quality of raw materials.

At the Uzhhorod checkpoint, SBU officers prevented another illegal delivery abroad. In a truck heading to Europe, law enforcement officers found valuable tree species of almost UAH 800,000 (USD 28,800).

The SBU investigators started criminal proceeding under Art. 201-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

The investigation is ongoing to bring all persons involved in timber smuggling to justice.

The operation was conducted under the procedural guidance of the Prosecutor's Office of Zakarpattia region.