In Khmelnytskyi region, the SBU stopped the activities of an organized criminal group that illegally cut trees in Podilski Tovtry National Nature Park, as well as in state and municipal forestries. Such actions caused multi-million losses to the state budget.

Allegedly, a local businessman and four accomplices organized the unlawful logging and sale of timber. In just one area, the offenders cut nearly 100 trees of valuable species. Its black market price is about UAH 1 m. (USD 35,714).

SBU operatives detained five people red-handed on attempt to take out another batch of illegally cut wood.

Law enforcement conducted 10 authorized searches of the offenders’ residences, as well as in forestries.

The SBU seized:

• a large batch of timber;
• draft records containing evidence of illegal actions;
• trucks and special equipment.

The detainees received suspicion notices of criminal offense committed by a group of people; illegal logging or sale of timber committed by an organized group.

The pre-trial investigation is underway.

The operation was carried out jointly with the Department of Strategic Investigations and National Police investigators under the supervision of the regional Prosecutor's Office.