Large-scale amber mining scheme uncovered in Rivne region – dozens of kilograms of stones and foreign currency cash found
Kyiv • UNN
An amber mining scheme that destroyed 50 hectares of land was uncovered in the Rivne region. During 47 searches, 52 kg of stones and 29,000 dollars were seized.
Law enforcement officers conducted 47 searches and uncovered a large-scale scheme for illegal amber mining in the Rivne region, which operated under the guise of permits for geological subsoil study. As a result of the perpetrators' activities, about 50 hectares of land and over 700 trees were destroyed. This was reported by the National Police of Ukraine, according to UNN.
According to the investigation, subsoil users obtained permits to conduct geological studies of amber-bearing areas and exploration work within forest massifs. However, instead of performing the research stipulated by the documentation, they organized illegal industrial amber mining for subsequent sale.
Amber was mined using motor pumps
Law enforcement officers established that instead of drilling pits, the suspects used artisanal motor pumps and soil hydro-wash technology at the sites.
Using powerful jets of water, the perpetrators washed away the amber-bearing layer of earth, the so-called "blue earth," after which they extracted the stones on the surface.
The National Police noted that this method of mining is one of the most dangerous for the environment, as it leads to the complete destruction of the fertile soil layer, damage to forest plantations, and changes to the natural relief of the terrain.
Dozens of hectares of land destroyed
Preliminary findings indicate that as a result of the illegal activity, the fertile soil layer on an area of about 50 hectares was completely destroyed.
In addition, as indicated, over 700 trees of various species were damaged and destroyed.
"Currently, law enforcement officers continue to identify all persons involved in the organization and operation of the illegal scheme," the report says.
Amber, equipment, and cash seized during searches
On June 9, officers of the National Police, together with the Prosecutor General's Office, conducted 47 searches in the Rivne region.
"As a result of the investigative actions, more than 52 kilograms of amber, 26 motor pumps used for illegal mining, as well as 256 components for them, were seized," the report says.
Law enforcement officers also seized equipment for cleaning and processing amber, two vehicles, financial and economic documentation, geological maps, mobile phones, rough notes, and over 29 thousand dollars in cash.
