In Zhytomyr region, the SBU documented a scheme of embezzlement and illegal export of oak lumber to the European Union.

Allegedly, four residents of the region organized the scheme. They bought trees from the local state forestry for cash, cut down above the official norms.

The offenders conducted the processing of raw materials on a legal sawmill affiliated with them.

To legalize finished products and prepare customs documentation, the offenders used documents of real entrepreneurs from other regions.

The SBU operatives established that since the beginning of the year, the offenders illegally exported oak lumber for about UAH 8 m. (USD 285,000)

The law enforcement conducted six searches of the perpetrators’ residences, production and storage facilities. During the investigation, certificates and consignment notes necessary for legalization of the origin of raw materials, draft records, seals of affiliated enterprises, documents with evidence of illegal activity were seized. Illegally purchased timber and oak lumber prepared for export for over UAH 600,000 (USD 21,500) were also seized.

The investigation is ongoing upon the fact of misappropriation, embezzlement or conversion of property by malversation. The involvement of state forestry officials in the scheme is being checked.

The operation was conducted by the officers of the SBU Office in Zhytomyr region jointly with the Investigative Directorate of the Main National Police Department in Zhytomyr region under supervision of Zhytomyr Region Prosecutor’s Office.