SSU cracks down on large-scale illegal selling of Ukraine's forest resources. Since early 2021, 43 organizers of the scams have been prosecuted, including high-ranking officials of state forest entities.

The illegal activities caused multimillion state losses.

In addition, the SSU suppressed 7 organized groups, involved in the illegal logging and wholesale of wood.

During a special operation in Kirovohrad, Cherkasy and Rivne regions, the activities of an interregional criminal organization were disrupted. It included officials of a local office of the State Forest Resources Agency of Ukraine and timber exporters.

The perpetrators smuggled valuable timber species and lumber on a large scale.

The illegal activity caused the state losses of more than UAH 200 m (USD 7,491 000).

In Zhytomyr region, the SSU cracked down on illegal logging and timber smuggling

to the EU countries. The organizers of the scam, including several heads of state forest entities, caused multimillion budget losses.

Following the SSU investigation, 30 perpetrators were served suspicion notices of embezzlement and forgery in office.

Nineteen indictments were sent to the court.

In Chernihiv region, four officials of a state enterprise were exposed of illegal selling of timber worth over UAH 2.5 m (USD 93,600).

The perpetrators received suspicion notices of the abuse of office and neglect of official duty.

The investigation is ongoing to bring to justice all involved individuals.