SBI discovered illegal logging in Lviv region: losses of almost 10 million

Law enforcement officers discovered that more than 2.7 thousand trees of various species were illegally cut down in the Yavoriv district. The former head of the forestry has already been detained, and the investigation is ongoing.

The State Bureau of Investigation reported the exposure of the ex-director of the Rava-Russkoe forestry branch of the State Enterprise Forests of Ukraine. The official was charged with organizing mass illegal logging, which caused more than 9.6 million hryvnias in damage to the state and nature.

The investigation established that in 2023–2024, the official facilitated logging under the guise of “reformation”. This allowed the cutting down of valuable tree species, such as oak, pine, hornbeam, birch, and spruce. Forged documents were issued for areas with homogeneous stands, although the actual logging took place in mixed forests, where this is prohibited.

As a result of the criminal actions, more than 2,700 trees were destroyed, with an estimated damage amount of nearly 10 million hryvnias. The former official was chosen as a preventive measure in the form of detention on charges of illegal logging and abuse of authority.

The pre-trial investigation is still ongoing, and investigators are also checking the possible involvement of other forestry enterprises in the Lviv region in similar schemes. The Lviv Regional Prosecutor’s Office is leading the process.