The SSU has exposed an enterprise in Transcarpathia on illegal extraction and sale of valuable minerals for UAH 270 mln (USD 9 mln). The scheme was organized by a company belonging to an Austrian construction concern, the shareholder of which is one of the russian oligarchs included in the sanctions list of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine.

According to the investigation, the company uncontrollably continued to extract andesite after its relevant state licenses expired. Without any permissions, the fraudsters sold raw materials to local businessmen.

Several examinations have been completed so far. They concluded that over 113,000 cubic meters of andesite had been illegally extracted.

Law enforcement agencies have gathered enough evidence within the criminal proceedings to prosecute those involved in the crime.

The director of the enterprise has been notified of suspicion under Article 240.4 of the CCU (violation of rules of protection or use of subsoil, illegal extraction of minerals).

The SSU Office in Zakarpattia region carried out the operation together with the National Police under procedural supervision of Specialized Environmental Prosecutor’s Office.

Andesite is igneous volcanic rock used in construction.