The SBI exposed the head of the branch of “Forests of Ukraine” who demanded 3 million hryvnias from the contractor
SDB employees together with SBU exposed the head of one of the forest superintendents of the branch “Polisky Forestry Office” SE “ Forests of Ukraine” on demanding money from the contractor. A bribe in the amount of UAH 3 million was supposed to be given by a representative of commercial structures that concluded a contract with a state-owned enterprise for the performance of logging works.
The official set a “fee” for the contractors, which they had to pay during 2025. So, in May it amounted to UAH 40 for each cubic meter of harvested wood, and in July it increased to UAH 60.
In general, entrepreneurs had to pay UAH 3 million for three months of work. In return, the person involved promised to ensure victory in future tenders for forest superintendents and forestry companies, which are part of the “Polish Forestry Office”, and also guaranteed unhindered approval of acts of completed works under contracts. In case of refusal, the manager threatened to create conditions that would make it impossible for the contractors to continue their activities. He also claimed that his actions were supported by other high-ranking officials of the branch.
In August, SBI investigators documented the first fact of the transfer of a bribe in the amount of UAH 500,000. When receiving the next “tranche” 2.5 million hryvnias, the law enforcement officers detained an official. During the search of his car, the entire sum of the received funds, which he planned to distribute among other participants of the scheme, was seized. Their identities are currently being established.
The head of the forest department was notified of the suspicion under Part 4 of Art. 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine — receipt of an unlawful benefit in a particularly large amount, by prior collusion by a group of persons, combined with extortion. The sanction of the article provides up to 12 years of imprisonment with confiscation of property.
The pre-trial investigation is ongoing. Investigators are identifying all officials involved in the scheme. A petition is being prepared for the court to choose a preventive measure in the form of detention. Procedural management in the case is carried out by the Prosecutor General’s Office.
