In Zhytomyr region, the SBU blocked the illegal sale of wholesale batches of large raw amber pieces to East Asian countries.

Allegedly, two residents of Novohrad-Volynskyi city set up illicit business.

For several years, businessmen bought “sun stone” from illegal miners in northern Ukraine. The smugglers looked for the mediators among the previously convicted individuals. After sorting and packaging the goods, the mediators smuggled raw amber via third countries and delivered it to foreign customers. SBU officers established that the offenders sold amber for almost UAH 2 m. (USD 71,429) each month.

Within the initiated criminal proceedings, law enforcement officers conducted searches of the suspects' residences and amber storages. During the investigation, SBU officers seized over 55 kg of large raw amber pieces. According to preliminary estimates, the cost of the seized goods tops UAH 1 m. (USD 35,715).

Currently, the law enforcement sent illegal amber for further examinations.

The operation was carried out by the SBU Office in Zhytomyr region under the supervision of the Zhytomyr Region Prosecutor's Office.