Illegal mineral extraction network uncovered near Uzhhorod
Law enforcement has exposed an illegal mineral extraction operation at a deposit near Uzhhorod that reportedly caused more than UAH 949.8 million in damage to the state. The case involved four people: a deputy of the Zakarpattia Regional Council, the director of an enterprise, a chief engineer, and the head of another company through which andesite was marketed. In 2024, the company obtained a permit for geological study and pilot commercial development of the 59-hectare site, but investigators say the operation actually moved into full-scale industrial production.
Impact and legal proceedings
The scheme resulted in the illegal extraction of roughly 417,000 cubic meters of minerals. According to tax reports, more than 774,000 tons of andesite were sold, while inspectors found 353,000 tons of unrecorded output worth approximately UAH 247 million. Investigators believe the unaccounted product was sold for cash.
During the probe, authorities documented at least 13 blasting operations conducted without the mandatory environmental impact assessment. To run the quarry, about 10 hectares of forest were cleared, and forest fund lands were used without authorization to install 2.6 kilometers of power lines and 52 utility poles.
- All four suspects have been formally notified of suspicion in connection with illegal mineral extraction.
- The charges also involve laundering of money obtained through criminal activity.
- Authorities are weighing preventive measures for the accused.
The case underscores long-standing concerns about oversight of mineral extraction in Ukraine, including the ecological damage that unregulated mining can cause. It may also serve as a significant test of anti-corruption enforcement and has already fueled calls for stricter penalties for such offenses.