In the Odesa region, foresters paid their supervisors 300,000 each month

The State Bureau of Investigation (DBR) has completed its pre-trial investigation into the head of the “Kodym Forestry” branch State Enterprise “Forests of Ukraine” and the former head of the “Balt Forestry” enterprise, who are accused of organizing a system of monthly extortion payments from subordinates

This was reported by the State Bureau of Investigations.

According to the investigation, in November 2025, the head of the Kodym Forestry Enterprise recruited his former colleague into the scheme.

They, according to the investigation, forced 11 forest foremen to illegally cut down trees in their assigned areas and sell the timber for cash. The employees were required to hand over a portion of the proceeds to the scheme’s organizers every month.

On average, this “tribute” amounted to about 300,000 hryvnias per month.

According to the State Bureau of Investigation (DBR), workers who refused to participate in the scheme or pay were threatened with criminal prosecution.

One of the suspects, according to the investigation, even posed as an “environmental activist” and sent complaints to the DBR about alleged illegal logging. In this way, he attempted to pressure workers who refused to hand over the money.

In April 2026, the State Bureau of Investigation detained the suspects after they received 230,000 hryvnias as part of another monthly payment.

Indictments against both men have now been filed with the court. They are charged with a public official receiving an unlawful benefit through prior conspiracy by a group of individuals—Part 3 of Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The penalty under this article provides for up to 10 years of imprisonment.

One of the defendants—the head of the forestry enterprise—pleaded guilty and donated 1 million hryvnias to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Андрій Колісніченко