Illegal sand extraction from the Dnipro River worth 750 million hryvnias has been uncovered in the Cherkasy region
Over a period of several months, sand was illegally extracted on an industrial scale from the bed of the River Dnipro in the Cherkasy region. The work was carried out at several sites, after which the sand was sold.
The Cherkasy Regional Prosecutor’s Office has notified four individuals that they are under suspicion. According to the investigation, the organiser of the scheme is a native of the village of Korobivka, who recruited three other participants to the operation.
The investigation established that from June to October 2024, sand extraction took place within the Zolotonosha community without special permits for subsoil use. The work was carried out on six plots of land near the village of Korobivka using a dredger and other specialised equipment.
The extracted sand was sold immediately. Its subsequent sale was also documented.
According to the findings of a forensic engineering and environmental assessment, the total volume of illegally extracted sand amounts to approximately 34,000 cubic metres, equivalent to over 1,300 lorries. The losses incurred by the state are estimated at nearly 750 million hryvnias.
The suspects’ actions have been classified as the large-scale illegal extraction of minerals of local significance, committed by a group of persons acting in concert, as well as the legalisation of property obtained by criminal means under Part 3 of Article 240 and Part 2 of Article 209 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
In accordance with Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
