Illegal quarry with almost UAH 1 billion in damages uncovered in Zakarpattia

In Zakarpattia, law enforcement officers announced the uncovering of a large-scale scheme of illegal andesite mining at a deposit near Uzhhorod. According to forensic examinations, the damage caused to the state amounts to over UAH 949.8 million.

According to the investigation, during 2025-2026 the scheme participants illegally extracted about 417 thousand cubic meters of minerals. Four individuals have already been notified of suspicion, including a deputy of the Zakarpattia Regional Council, who is a co-founder of the company, the director of the enterprise, the chief engineer, and the head of the company through which the andesite was sold.

In 2024, the enterprise obtained a permit for geological study and pilot-industrial development of a deposit with an area of 59 hectares. The investigation claims that later the works actually turned into industrial mining.

353 thousand tons of products not reflected in accounting

According to law enforcement, about 10 hectares of forest were destroyed for the quarry operations. Forest fund lands were also allegedly used without authorization to lay 2.6 km of power lines and install 52 poles. The rock was extracted by blasting, and investigators documented at least 13 cases of drilling and blasting works.

According to tax reporting, the enterprise sold over 774 thousand tons of andesite. At the same time, law enforcement announced the discovery of another 353 thousand tons of unaccounted products with an estimated value of about UAH 247 million, which, according to the investigation, could have been sold for cash.

The suspects, depending on their roles, are charged with illegal mining of minerals that caused grave consequences, and legalization of proceeds obtained through crime.

The prosecutor's office asks the court to impose pre-trial detention with an alternative of bail of UAH 100 million for each for three individuals - the regional council deputy, the quarry director, and the director of the company through which sales were carried out. For the chief engineer, the prosecution requests arrest with an alternative of bail of UAH 10 million.

Earlier, co-owner of the enterprise Mykhailo Laba claimed pressure on business. Company representatives insisted that geological study and pilot-industrial development were being carried out at the deposit. The final assessment of the circumstances of the case is to be made by the court.

Based on materials: Office of the Prosecutor General