The ESBU uncovered a timber smuggling scheme worth almost UAH 2 million

  Detectives from the Territorial Office of the ESBU in Kyiv uncovered a scheme involving the illegal export of timber worth almost UAH 2 million.

Between 2021 and 2025, a group of entrepreneurs purchased timber of unknown origin for cash. To legalize the transactions, they purchased invoices and certificates of origin for forest products from various business entities without actually conducting any commodity transactions. Based on these documents, the suspects obtained permits to export and conduct foreign economic operations with timber.

Over several years, significant volumes of commercial timber of oak, ash, pine, birch, and alder species were sold abroad in the form of edged and unedged sawn timber, as well as firewood of various species.

As part of the pre-trial investigation, detectives of the ESBU conducted 60 searches in offices, production facilities, and residences of individuals involved in the scheme. They seized forest products, documents, computer equipment, mobile phones, electronic media, and rough notes confirming the illegal sale and export of timber.

The court seized the confiscated products and ordered a series of forensic examinations.

Thanks to the prompt actions of the detectives, the illegal export of timber worth almost UAH 2 million was prevented.

A pre-trial investigation is underway on the grounds of criminal offenses under: Part 3 of Article 201-1 (transportation across the customs border of Ukraine of timber or sawn timber of valuable and rare tree species), Part 3 of Article 209 (legalization (laundering) of proceeds obtained by criminal means), Part 4 of Article 358 (forgery of documents, seals, stamps, and sale or use of forged documents) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

Operational support is provided by the Security Service of Ukraine in Kyiv and the Kyiv region. Procedural guidance is provided by the Kyiv City Prosecutor's Office.