The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has completed a pre-trial investigation into the former head of a forestry in Znamianskyi district of Kirovohrad region. He is accused of criminal omission and organization of illegal deforestation, which caused serious environmental and economic damage to the region.
The ex-manager is charged with facilitating the illegal felling of valuable tree species, including oaks, hornbeams, ash, linden and maples. According to the case file, this activity lasted for three months in 2023, causing significant environmental damage. Experts estimated the total losses from illegal logging at over UAH 11 million.
It is worth noting that illegal deforestation has affected not only the local ecosystem but also the economic stability of the region. Forests are a key factor in maintaining biodiversity and serve as a source of income for many local businesses and residents. The damage caused by the lost resources has affected the livelihoods of many people working in the sector.
One of the key claims of the investigation is the deliberate inaction of the official, who, having knowledge of the illegal activity, did not take any measures to prevent it and did not apply to law enforcement agencies. This fact became evidence in the case and is the basis for the criminal prosecution of the former executive.
According to the law, officials are responsible for environmental protection and ensuring proper control over the use of natural resources. Failure to fulfill these responsibilities undermines trust in state institutions and encourages the continuation of environmentally harmful activities.
At the moment, the ex-manager is facing a trial, the results of which may become indicative in the fight against non-transparency and corruption in Ukrainian forestry. The SBI materials will become the basis for a trial, which could potentially lead to severe punishment for the perpetrators and serve as an example for other officials in the region.
Consideration of such cases is important not only from the environmental point of view, but also for establishing the principles of transparency and accountability in public administration. Despite the difficult circumstances, the public expects a fair decision that will prevent similar crimes in the future.
