One of the largest schemes involving the theft of mineral resources was uncovered in the Kirovohrad region
22 June 14:30
In the Kirovohrad region, investigators are looking into one of the largest cases in recent years involving the protection of mineral resources. Law enforcement officials have reported illegal granite mining at the Sukhokliivskyi deposit, which, according to experts, has caused the state losses exceeding 1 billion 255 million hryvnias. This was reported by the Office of the Prosecutor General, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
According to the investigation, the special permit for subsoil use at the Sukhokliivskyi deposit had expired, yet operations at the quarry continued.
Law enforcement officials believe that the illegal extraction of granite was disguised as the remediation of hazardous areas of the quarry.
Formally, the work could have been presented as measures necessary to eliminate hazardous or dangerous areas. In reality, however, according to investigators, industrial mining of mineral resources continued during this time without a valid permit.
At least 12 blasting operations were carried out at the deposit
Over the course of several years, at least 12 blasting operations were carried out at the Sukhokliivskyi deposit.
As a result, according to investigators’ estimates, more than 375,000 cubic meters of granite were illegally extracted.
Granite is classified as a mineral resource of national importance. Its commercial extraction is permitted only with a special permit for subsoil use and in compliance with conditions established by the state.
The losses to the state exceeded 1.255 billion hryvnias
To determine the extent of the damage, a series of complex expert assessments was commissioned as part of the criminal proceedings.
According to their findings, the unauthorized use of subsoil resources caused losses to the state amounting to over 1 billion 255 million hryvnias.
It was precisely this figure that led to the case being designated as one of the largest involving the illegal use of subsoil resources investigated in the Kirovohrad region in recent years.
Investigators tracked the movement of the extracted granite
Prosecutors and law enforcement officials carried out extensive work to document the alleged illegal activities.
During the investigation, they:
- seized financial records;
- examined the company’s production records;
- traced the movement of the mined granite;
- verified product sales transactions;
- ordered economic and other expert analyses;
- determined the scope of blasting operations carried out.
The criminal case file now comprises 74 volumes.
Arbitration manager named as suspect
As part of the investigation, the arbitration manager, who was acting as the liquidator of one of Kropyvnytskyi’s open joint-stock companies, was notified of the suspicion.
Investigators are looking into his role in continuing operations at the field after the special permit had expired.
What penalty does the article provide for?
The suspect’s actions have been classified under Part 4 of Article 240 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
This involves a violation of established rules for the use of subsoil resources or the illegal extraction of minerals of national importance, which resulted in serious consequences.
The penalty under this article may range from five to eight years of imprisonment.
The specific sentence can only be imposed by a court if guilt is proven.
Watch us on YouTube: important topics – without censorship
What is known about the Sukhokliivske deposit
The Sukhokliivske granite deposit is located in the Kirovohrad region.
Granite is used in construction, crushed stone production, roadwork, the manufacture of concrete structures, and other industrial processes.
Due to the high demand for this raw material, illegal mining can generate substantial profits while simultaneously causing financial and environmental damage to the state.
The Dangers of Illegal Mining
The unauthorized use of mineral deposits causes harm not only to the state budget.
Possible consequences include:
- destruction of the natural landscape;
- soil degradation;
- disruption of groundwater levels;
- uncontrolled blasting operations;
- the creation of hazardous areas within the quarry;
- air pollution from dust;
- risks to residents of surrounding areas.
A separate issue is that the state does not receive adequate payments for the use of natural resources.
Who is conducting the investigation
The pre-trial investigation is being conducted by the Investigative Division of the Main Directorate of the National Police in Kirovohrad Oblast.
Operational support is provided by the Strategic Investigations Directorate in Kirovohrad Oblast of the National Police’s Department of Strategic Investigations.
Prosecutors from the Specialized Environmental Prosecutor’s Office of the Kirovohrad Regional Prosecutor’s Office are overseeing the proceedings.
Law enforcement officials continue to establish all the circumstances of the case and identify any other individuals who may be involved.
Read us on Telegram: important topics – without censorship
