In the Rivne region, a large -scale scheme of illegal amber production, to which the director of one of the branches of SE "Forest of Ukraine" is involved. According to law enforcement officers, a high -ranking official was part of an organized criminal group (RAM), which has been in effect since 2021.
The scheme was organized by a private entrepreneur at the end of 2021. He managed to legalize part of the activity - the company received two special permits for geological study of amber deposits of 20 hectares in the forest fund. But after the production was carried out in violation of the legislation - not only within the allowed areas, but also outside them.
The organized group consisted of seven people, each had their own role: some were responsible for technique and recruited diggers, others were engaged in the control of logistics, packaging, sale and concealment of traces of illegal activity. An important role was played by the forestry official who "covered" the development, using his official position.
From June 2022 to May 2024, according to the investigation, the group produced more than 5 tons of amber. The amber scheme brought considerable profits, while causing significant damage to the environment.
All defendants of the case were informed of suspicion of several articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine: Art. 255 - creation of a criminal organization, and Art. 240-1-illegal extraction of minerals using office.
The investigation is ongoing.
