The State Bureau of Investigation (DBR) in Ukraine has announced the commencement of a large-scale operation dubbed “Green Shield,” aimed at addressing illegal logging, the theft of timber resources, and corruption within the forestry sector.
This operation targets schemes that have resulted in significant losses of forest resources and millions of hryvnias for the state. Its primary objective is to halt the unlawful exploitation of forest resources, identify all involved parties, and ensure compensation for damages inflicted upon the state.
Specific issues under scrutiny include the cutting down of healthy trees under the guise of sanitation logging, the illegal sale of timber at undervalued prices, the reuse of documents for the export of unaccounted timber, and the embezzlement of funds from state enterprises.
Investigators are focusing on both forestry employees and high-ranking officials within state enterprises. They are examining circumstances surrounding illegal logging activities, particularly in protected areas, the misappropriation of timber, and fictitious employment practices.
The DBR has also highlighted that “Green Shield” continues its systematic efforts to uncover criminal schemes across various sectors. Previously, the bureau initiated operations like “Honest Draft” against abuses during mobilization and military accounting, “Justice for Fighters” addressing misconduct in military units, and “Stop Traffic” aimed at disrupting channels of illegal weapons, ammunition, and drug trafficking. Work in these areas is ongoing.
