Scheme for illegal sand extraction from the Dnipro River worth UAH 750 million uncovered in Cherkasy region
Kyiv • UNN
Four individuals organized the illegal extraction of 34,000 cubic meters of sand in the Zolotonosha community. The state's losses from the sale of subsoil resources amount to UAH 750 million.
For several months in Cherkasy region, sand was illegally extracted from the bottom of the Dnieper on an industrial scale. Work was carried out simultaneously on several sites, and the sand was then sold. This was reported by the Office of the Prosecutor General, writes UNN.
The Cherkasy Regional Prosecutor's Office announced on April 10 that four individuals had been notified of suspicion. According to the investigation, the scheme was organized by a native of the village of Korobivka, who involved three other participants in the work.
From June to October 2024, they extracted sand within the Zolotonosha community – without special permits for subsoil use. The work was carried out on six land plots in the Korobivka area using a dredge and other specialized equipment.
The extracted sand was immediately sold. The fact of further sale of illegally extracted sand was also recorded.
According to the conclusion of the forensic engineering and environmental expertise, the total volume of illegally extracted sand is about 34 thousand cubic meters, which is approximately more than 1300 trucks. The damage caused to the state is estimated at almost 750 million hryvnias.
The actions of the suspects are qualified as illegal extraction of local minerals on a large scale, committed by prior conspiracy by a group of persons, as well as legalization of property obtained by criminal means (Part 3 of Article 240, Part 2 of Article 209 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).