Synevyr National Park Becomes Site of Exposure of Illegal "Forest Mafia" Causing Millions in Damages

On the territory of Synevyr National Nature Park and the Carpathian Forest Office of the State Specialized Forestry Enterprise "Forests of Ukraine," law enforcement authorities have exposed a criminal group comprising officials responsible for organizing illegal tree felling. This group, dubbed the "forest mafia," has long exploited their official positions to conduct unlawful operations, undermining ecological stability and causing harm to Ukraine's national wealth.

The criminal activity was carried out under the guise of legitimate sanitary felling operations. The officials involved in the scheme frequently disregarded the "Rules for Improving the Qualitative Composition of Forests" and the "Sanitary Rules in Ukraine's Forests." They ordered and conducted selective sanitary fellings without legal justification, promoting operations that caused far more harm than benefit.

In reality, under the pretext of "sanitary" measures, completely healthy trees were being cut down. These actions were meticulously concealed behind official documents that justified the fellings as necessary for improving the forest environment. In truth, the illegal fellings resulted in evident ecological damage, as well as the loss of significant funds that could have replenished the state budget.

The scale of these flagrant abuses is staggering—damages amounting to millions of hryvnias have been inflicted by this group's activities. The illegal felling of trees not only depleted natural resources but also reflected a thoroughly criminal nature. This case highlights the critical importance of transparent and lawful forest management.

The exposure of this scheme was made possible through the coordinated efforts of law enforcement agencies, demonstrating that the fight against corruption and illegal practices is vital for preserving natural heritage and strengthening the regulatory framework. Holding the guilty parties accountable is only the first step toward restoring the Synevyr ecosystem and preventing similar abuses in the future.