Ukrainian Investigators File Illegal Logging Case Involving 13,000 Trees

Pre-Trial Investigation Completed

According to Главком: The State Bureau of Investigations (SBI) has concluded its pre-trial investigation into the management of the state-owned 'Kutske Forestry' enterprise. The case concerns the organization of illegal logging within the 'Hutsulshchyna' National Park. An indictment has now been submitted to the court. This case highlights ongoing challenges in Ukraine's forestry sector, where illegal activities can cause significant environmental damage. In 2022, officials at the enterprise issued logging tickets without obtaining the required environmental permits, limits, and approvals. This led to the destruction of over 13,000 trees across an area of 195 hectares.

Damage Assessment and Consequences

Expert assessments have valued the environmental damage at over 731 million hryvnias. The group responsible for organizing these illegal actions consisted of:

• two former heads of the forestry enterprise,
• a department head,
• an engineer.

With the assistance of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), these individuals were formally notified of suspicion in September 2025. They are charged with abuse of power leading to grave consequences, as well as illegal logging on an especially large scale. According to the relevant criminal statutes, the accused face potential prison sentences of up to 10 years. This prosecution represents a significant step in Ukraine's fight against illegal deforestation and the protection of its ecology.

In a separate, recent development, the Appeals Chamber of the High Anti-Corruption Court has canceled the suspicion against Yuriy Bolokhovets, the general director of the state enterprise 'Forests of Ukraine'. This court ruling is final and cannot be appealed.

The SBI's investigation into illegal logging in the 'Hutsulshchyna' National Park underscores serious issues with environmental compliance in Ukraine.

The destruction of such a large number of trees not only harms nature but also infringes upon the public's right to a healthy environment. The forthcoming trial resulting from this investigation could set an important precedent for future efforts to combat environmental crimes in the country. It also serves as a warning to other officials about the accountability they face for similar violations.

The ongoing scrutiny of environmental violations in Ukraine underscores the critical need for transparency and accountability in resource management. In a related investigation, authorities have revealed significant financial discrepancies involving illegal activities along the shores of the Kyiv Reservoir, amounting to over $660,000. Such cases not only highlight the pervasive issues within the country's environmental oversight but also emphasize the importance of protecting natural resources. For more details on these violations, see the full report on the Kyiv Reservoir shoreline.