The SBI has exposed a deputy of the regional council from the banned in Ukraine party "Opposition Platform for Life" on illegal transfer of forestry land (VIDEO)

Even despite russia's military assault, the State Bureau of Investigation executes methodical work to uncover and stop environmental crimes. All authorities who attempt to illegally benefit themselves despite martial law will face severe punishment.

In particular, SBI employees exposed a deputy of the Mykolaiv regional council from the OPFL party, which is banned in Ukraine. As a part-time director of the State Forestry Service, he illegally allocated forest land to his "entourage".

According to the investigation, an official of the Bashtanka State Forestry Enterprise in the Mykolaiv region illegally leased more than 250 hectares of forest land. Instead of restoring the forest, the entrepreneurs sowed wheat on hundreds of hectares to make millions in profits.

The damage to state interests amounted to more than UAH 6.4 million.

The official was served a notice of suspicion of abuse of office, which caused grave consequences to the state interests protected by law (Part 3 of Article 365 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

A motion to seize the suspect's property has been drafted to ensure reimbursement for the state's damages.

The sanction of the article provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.

The Mykolaiv Region Prosecutor's Office is in charge of the procedural supervision.