SBI uncovers scheme to smuggle Ukrainian amber worth millions of hryvnias

In Ukraine, an organized group was uncovered that, according to the investigation, set up illegal export of amber to Asia under the guise of stones of Lithuanian origin. Over three months, the scheme's participants took abroad more than 4.7 tons of amber with an estimated value of UAH 10.7 million.

The State Bureau of Investigation and the Prosecutor General's Office of Ukraine reported this on October 8.

According to the investigation, the organizer of the scheme was a businessman from Rivne Oblast. He involved his brother, an expert from the State Gemological Center, and other participants. To conceal the illegal origin of the amber, companies registered in Ukraine and Lithuania were used.

In April 2026, according to documents, 5.9 tons of amber were imported from Lithuania to Ukraine. However, instead of the declared large stones, cheap small fractions, including amber dust and sand, were actually imported.

Subsequently, the cheap raw material was left in Ukraine, and much more valuable amber illegally mined on Ukrainian territory was exported instead. Documents supposedly indicating Lithuanian origin were used for customs clearance.

Law enforcement officers also established signs of fictitious import operations. For instance, drivers and the director of the Lithuanian company who, according to documents, participated in transportation were not actually in Lithuania. In addition, the Ukrainian company did not make the payment required by the contract.

According to the investigation materials, illegally mined amber was accumulated in warehouses in several oblasts of Ukraine, where it was sorted, weighed, and prepared for shipment abroad. From April to June 2026, over 4.7 tons of raw material were exported in this way.

All shipments passed through one customs post. Currently, the SBI is checking the possible involvement of customs officers in the illegal operations and identifying other persons who may have participated in the scheme.

During the investigation, law enforcement officers conducted over 20 searches. Four members of the organized group were notified of suspicion under Part 3 of Article 201-3 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine — smuggling of goods committed by an organized group.

A motion has been filed with the court to impose pretrial restraint in the form of detention for the suspects. Pre-trial investigation is ongoing. The guilt of the defendants is to be established by the court.

Based on materials from: State Bureau of Investigation, Prosecutor General's Office