Shadow Timber Export to Moldova Blocked in Bukovyna: 26 Searches and 10 Million in Cash
Kyiv • UNN
Illegal timber exports to Moldova using forged documents have been halted in Bukovyna. During the searches, property and cash worth 10 million hryvnias were seized.
Prosecutors of the Chernivtsi Regional Prosecutor's Office, together with detectives from the Bureau of Economic Security (BEB), the National Police, and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), have halted a large-scale scheme for the illegal export of timber to Moldova. This was reported by the Office of the Prosecutor General, according to UNN.
Details
The investigation established that the organizer—the head of a private enterprise—purchased unaccounted timber during 2024–2025, processed it using forged documents of origin, and exported it abroad. Entrepreneurs, forestry workers, and drivers who ensured the transportation of illegally harvested timber were involved in this activity.
On April 22, 2026, 26 searches were conducted in the Chernivtsi region at woodworking enterprises, warehouse and office premises, vehicles, and the residences of the individuals involved,
Approximately 1,000 m³ of timber (logs), shipping documents, and marking tags were seized. Also seized was cash: over 48,000 euros, 4,500 US dollars, and over 500,000 UAH, as well as mobile phones, video recorders, and rough notes. The total value of the seized items is approximately 10 million UAH.
Two heads of private enterprises in the forestry and woodworking industry have been notified of suspicion under Part 2 of Art. 201-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
All participants in the scheme are being identified.