In Khmelnytskyi region, the SBU blocked the illegal activities of a commercial entity that mined mineral resources of the national importance.

Inspection, initiated by SBU, found that the enterprise operated without any subsoil use license and mining act, prescribed by the law. The offenders illegally extracted minerals on the state-owned land plot of 4.3 hectares.

According to preliminary estimates, the offenders illegally removed over 8,500 tons of minerals worth approximately UAH 5 m. (USD 178,572).

Within the criminal proceedings, the SBU officers together with a police investigation team searched the illegally mined areas and seized 5 pieces of equipment. Additionally, they documented the fact of committing the crime.

Court upheld a decision to seize the equipment. The value of the seized equipment is UAH 10 m (USD 357,143).

The pre-trial investigation is underway. Law enforcement officers are investigating the use of illegally mined minerals during the construction and repair of roads, as well as for the work of regional brick factories.

The operation was conducted by the SBU Office in Khmelnytskyi region and the SBU Main Directorate for Counterintelligence Protection of State Economic Interests jointly with the Main National Police Department in Khmelnytskyi region under the supervision of the Khmelnytskyi Region Prosecutor's Office.