ESBU dismantles long-running shadow timber export scheme in Kyiv: over 60 searches conducted

 Detectives of the Territorial Office of the Economic Security Bureau in Kyiv have uncovered a scheme for the illegal legalization and export of timber of unidentified origin. More than 60 searches were carried out.

The investigation established that over several years, a group of entrepreneurs purchased timber of unidentified origin for cash from individuals in Kyiv and the Kyiv region. To legalize the products, the suspects used forest transport waybills (TTN-lis) purchased from other enterprises without any actual transactions taking place. These documents were subsequently submitted to obtain permits for exporting the timber abroad.

In this manner, the participants of the scheme legalized and attempted to illegally export significant volumes of oak, ash, pine, birch, and alder, as well as lumber and firewood.

During the pre-trial investigation, ESBU detectives conducted 60 searches at business locations, offices, and the suspects' residences. Additionally, the illegal export of a shipment of commercial-grade oak and pine timber was prevented. The court has placed the seized products under arrest.

Three individuals have been served with a notice of suspicion. Two are charged with attempted smuggling of timber and the use of forged documents (Part 2 of Art. 15, Part 3 of Art. 201-1, Part 4 of Art. 358 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). Another individual is charged with aiding and abetting the aforementioned crimes (Part 5 of Art. 27, Part 2 of Art. 15, Part 3 of Art. 201-1, Part 3 of Art. 358 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

The pre-trial investigation for one of the suspects has been completed, and the indictment has been referred to court. Special confiscation will be applied to the seized oak lumber.

The investigation is ongoing as detectives establish further circumstances of the illegal activity and have commissioned several forensic examinations.

Operational support is provided by the Security Service of Ukraine in Kyiv and the Kyiv region. Prosecutorial oversight is carried out by the Kyiv City Prosecutor’s Office.