In Ukraine, law enforcement officers are conducting a large-scale operation to expose illegal amber mining. This was reported on June 9 in an exclusive comment to UNN by Yulia Girdvilis, head of the Communications Department of the National Police of Ukraine.
"Yes, procedural measures (searches — ed.) are currently being carried out. We will release all details after the completion of investigative actions,"
Searches within the framework of criminal proceedings regarding large-scale illegal amber mining were also confirmed to UNN by the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine (OPG).
"The investigation is ongoing, and searches are being conducted today as part of the criminal proceedings. There is no more information yet,"
Context
Information about searches within the investigation into the activities of organized groups involved in illegal amber mining appeared on social media on June 9.
According to this information, law enforcement officers are conducting 40 searches in various regions. They are checking mining sites, equipment, documentation, and possible distribution channels for illegally mined amber.
According to preliminary data, the suspects illegally mined amber in gross violation of environmental legislation — during the works, they completely destroyed the fertile soil layer, which severely damaged the ecosystem.
Law enforcement officers are currently identifying all persons involved in the operation of the illegal scheme.
According to preliminary estimates, the damage caused to the environment exceeds 350 million UAH.
In addition, the investigation revealed tens of millions of hryvnias in unpaid rent, which caused losses to the state budget.
Recall
In March 2026, it became known that a "shadow curator" of illegal amber mining worth over 350 million UAH was exposed in the Rivne region. The entrepreneur financed the illegal extraction of over 5 tons of amber under the guise of geological works.