The SBU blocked a large-scale scheme of illegal mining and sale of mineral resources in Kharkiv region. The perpetrators managed to sell over 15,000 tons of clay.

According to experts, the deal caused losses to the state totaling UAH 102 m. (USD 3.8 m.). Moreover, the devastation of hectares of fertile land plots seriously affected the environment of the region.

Allegedly, the unlawful mining of loam and low-melting clay was organized by the head of a local company in Bohodukhiv district.

Without any relevant permits, the dealers removed a layer of fertile soil and set up two quarries on agricultural land plots. The extracted minerals were illegally sold in batches to construction material manufacturers.

Within the criminal proceedings, the SBU initiated a set of forensic examinations. According to experts, the unlawful mining caused the soil fertility decline, the removal of the land from the agricultural reserve and created threats to the environment.

The organizer of the scheme was served a notice of suspicion of misappropriation of soil cover (surface layer) of land and violation of rules related to the protection of mineral resources, which caused grave consequences. A type of detention is to be chosen.

The operation was conducted by the SBU Office in Kharkiv region together with National Police investigators, under the supervision of the Bohodukhiv District Prosecutor's Office.