Audit of the Carpathian National Park revealed significant financial losses and violations with logging

Losses of over 30 million hryvnias: new facts from the Carpathian National Park

Auditors of the State Audit Service have identified serious violations in the financial and economic activities of the Carpathian National Nature Park, resulting in losses of over 30 million hryvnias. The audit covered the period from February 1, 2018, to October 31, 2022, and ended with the transfer of materials to the State Bureau of Investigation as part of criminal proceedings.

The identified violations include the sale of forest products at undervalued prices, which resulted in a loss of revenue of 17.19 million hryvnias. Illegal expenses totaling over 5.49 million hryvnias were also recorded in connection with the payment for unfulfilled technical documentation on land management.

The auditors estimated the minimum wage supplement and other labor costs at over 4.6 million hryvnias, including social contributions.

In addition, damage to the nature reserve fund exceeding 3.3 million hryvnias was revealed due to illegal tree felling. The audit materials and results have already been transferred to the State Bureau of Investigation, where a pre-trial investigation is underway.

In the context of the identified violations, special attention is also drawn to the materials of the journalistic investigation into the business interests of Yaremche’s mayor, Andriy Myronyak. Previous publications indicate that a restaurant is located on the territory of the national park, where commercial activities are prohibited. According to reports, the establishment is associated with relatives of the mayor’s wife, and payments are made without fiscal checks.

Journalists also highlighted problems associated with jeep tours in the reserve area, which harm the Carpathian ecosystem. Appeals to the park administration about the legality of such actions remained unanswered.

The question arises about the true circumstances occurring in the Carpathian National Park and the possible involvement of Andriy Myronyak in the revealed abuses. The editorial office will continue to study this case and awaits additional clarifications from the State Audit Service.