In the Mykolaiv region, 487 trees were illegally cut down: the losses amounted to nearly UAH 2.9 million

On the territory of the Veselynivska community, five men are suspected of systematic illegal tree felling in protective forest stands. According to the investigation, these actions caused damage to the State Environmental Inspectorate of the South-Western District in the amount of nearly 2.9 million hryvnias.

During the pre-trial investigation, law enforcement established that the criminal activity was initiated by a 30‑year‑old resident of the Voznesensk district. He involved four acquaintances aged 24, 29 and 31, assigning them roles.

In the period from September 2025 to March 2026, according to the investigation, the men illegally cut down 487 standing trees of various species, including:

• acacia;
• oak;
• ash;
• pear;
• maple;
• honey locust;
• cherry.

Using chainsaws, the suspects cut down trees in forests, protective shelterbelts and forest stands belonging to Ukrzaliznytsia. They then transported the timber by vehicles to the organizer’s household, where the wood was sawn, sorted and prepared for sale. According to the investigation, the proceeds were divided among the participants.

In June 2026, investigators of the Voznesensk District Police Department notified the suspects of suspicion under parts 2 and 4 of Article 246 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. This concerns illegal tree felling in protective forest plantations that caused substantial damage and serious consequences, committed repeatedly and by prior conspiracy of a group of persons.

Investigators, under the procedural guidance of the Voznesensk District Prosecutor’s Office, completed the pre-trial investigation. The indictment was sent to the prosecutor’s office, which forwarded it to the court for consideration on the merits.

If found guilty, the suspects face up to 7 years of imprisonment. At the same time, according to Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is considered innocent of committing a crime and cannot be subjected to criminal punishment until their guilt is proven in accordance with the law and established by a guilty verdict of a court.

Source: Mykolaiv Oblast Police.