Poachers in Chernobyl: 200 kg of radiation fish could end up on the markets
17 September 2025 12:29
In the Chornobyl zone, law enforcement officers seized 200 kg of fish with high levels of radiation from poachers, which they planned to sell on markets without inspection. This was reported by the National Police of the Kyiv region, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
During a joint patrol of the reserve’s inspectors and the Kyiv region police, three men engaged in illegal fishing were found on the territory of the Chornobyl Radiation and Ecological Biosphere Reserve. The incident occurred near the Domantov Peninsula on the Dnipro Riverbed.
“Police officers together with employees of the Chornobyl Radiation and Ecological Biosphere Reserve found three people who were engaged in illegal fishing near the Domantov Peninsula on the Dnipro Riverbed,” the police said.
According to the police, the offenders were employees of Rybnyi Mir LLC.
The men were in a boat and were fishing with a prohibited fishing net. After catching the fish, they loaded them into a car.
The police seized material evidence, including the boat, nets, and aquatic bioresources of various kinds. The total amount of damage caused to the nature reserve fund is preliminarily estimated at over UAH 3 million.
A pre-trial investigation into the illegal fishing has been launched.
The investigation is considering several criminal articles: illegal fishing and violation of radiation safety requirements. In particular, the intention to move the caught fish outside the zone without a permit and dosimetric monitoring for further sale has been established.
“The poachers face up to 5 years in prison for their actions,” law enforcement officers added.
