ENG
7743 visitors online
A colossal illegal amber mining operation has been uncovered in the Rivne region, revealing the destruction of 50 hectares of fertile soil and the felling of over 700 trees. This operation highlights the environmental and economic issues caused by unregulated resource extraction in Ukraine. The scale of the environmental damage in Rivne underscores the urgent need for regulation and law enforcement to combat illegal activities that threaten the country's natural resources. Rivne region, long known for its amber deposits, faces dire consequences unless swift action is taken to manage and regulate resource extraction sustainably.
What environmental impact does illegal amber mining have in Ukraine?
Illegal amber mining in Ukraine has devastating environmental impacts, including deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and soil degradation. In the Rivne region, over 50 hectares of fertile soil have been destroyed, and more than 700 trees have been cut down, leading to severe ecological consequences. This destruction compromises the area's natural habitat and negatively affects local ecosystems. Moreover, the extraction processes can lead to water pollution and long-term damage to agricultural lands, underscoring the need to control such illegal activities for sustainable environmental health.
How does illegal amber mining affect the economy of the Rivne region?
Illegal amber mining in the Rivne region significantly undermines the local economy. It bypasses legal channels, resulting in a loss of tax revenue for the government. Local communities miss out on potential economic benefits that regulated and sustainable mining could provide. The unregulated mining not only prevents proper economic growth but also incurs costs related to land restoration and environmental damage management. Furthermore, illegal operations often evade safety and labor regulations, affecting employment quality and security in the region.
What measures are being taken to combat illegal amber mining in Ukraine?
The Ukrainian government has taken several steps to combat illegal amber mining, such as increasing law enforcement presence and imposing stricter regulations on resource extraction practices. Efforts are focused on enhancing cooperation among local authorities, environmental agencies, and law enforcement to monitor and prevent illegal activities. Additionally, there are initiatives aimed at educating communities about the importance of legal mining practices and the environmental implications of illegal extraction. However, constant vigilance and policy enforcement are needed to ensure these measures are effective.
Why is amber mining prevalent in the Rivne region?
The Rivne region is rich in amber deposits, making it a prime location for mining activities. The valuable amber resources attract both legal and illegal operators seeking profit. Unfortunately, the high demand for amber, coupled with inadequate regulation and enforcement, facilitates illegal mining operations. The abundance of this natural resource creates economic incentives that drive widespread, unregulated extraction, necessitating stronger policies and oversight to manage the resources sustainably and legally.
What are the legal consequences of illegal amber mining in Ukraine?
In Ukraine, those involved in illegal amber mining face significant legal consequences including hefty fines and potential imprisonment. The illegal extraction of amber is a criminal offense that undermines environmental integrity and economic stability. Authorities are actively working to enforce laws that deter illegal miners, preserving natural resources and protecting local economies. Increased penalties aim to dissuade such activities, though improving law enforcement efficacy is crucial for sustainable success in combating illegal mining.
TOP news Rivne region
"Trust me, guys, you'll not get out of here alive," - clash with gunfire between police and amber diggers in Rivne region. VIDEO The Interior Ministry has released a video of a clash between the police and amber miners in the Rivne region. 219 334 642 Previously in trend: Amber mafia
Lawyer Shablii shot dead and her husband wounded in Dubno. PHOTO The lawyer Vita Shablii who ran for the mayor post from the Svoboda party, was shot dead in the town of Dubno in the Rivne region on April 1. 174 406 285
Disaster reported due to amber extraction in Polissia area. PHOTOS+VIDEO The scale of the environmental disaster due to illegal extraction of amber in the Polissia area is really striking. 166 716 386 Previously in trend: Amber mafia
Law enforcers believe death of political analysts in deadly road accident last September was premeditated murder The pretrial investigation of the deadly road accident in the Rivne region on Sept. 6, 2017 that caused death of five political analysts has found that the truck driver deliberately collided with their car. 156 829 110
Rivne region’s prosecutor dismissed following 123 raids conducted by 300 law enforcers headed by prosecutor general and SBU chairman. PHOTOS The large-scale operation against amber mafia is underway in the Rivne region. 156 128 277 Previously in trend: Amber mafia Prosecutor General Lutsenko
"Return our pumps or we will drown you in swamp," - amber diggers threaten police officers in Rivne region. PHOTOS+VIDEO Illegal amber diggers destroyed the bridge and blocked a police unit, threatening to drown police officers in the swamp. 141 196 451 Previously in trend: Amber mafia
Police officer struck and killed by car while writing road accident report in Rivne region. PHOTOS National police senior investigator Major Ruslan Machuta was killed on the Kyiv-Chop highway near the village of Zelenyi Hai in Rivne region on Thursday, Jan. 7 around 3.30 p.m. when he was helping drivers, whose cars had ended up in a ditch. 115 483 114 Previously in trend: Police workdays
Group of illegal miners detained, armored vehicle seized in special operation against ‘amber mafia’ in Rivne region. PHOTOS A group of illegal amber miners was detained by the National Police in the territory of the nature reserve in the Rivne region this morning. The miners resisted arrest. 113 048 166 Previously in trend: Amber mafia
"It's real war: locals beaten with batons and fired at with assault rifles," - Amber miners wreak havoc in village in Rivne region. VIDEO Several people have fallen victims to amber-rush this week as it was gaining momentum. 108 515 159 Previously in trend: Amber mafia
‘Amber mafia’ sets up checkpoint, blocks road in Rivne region, - journalist. PHOTO People in military uniforms closed the road to the Rizhky tract where the miners extract amber illegally. 106 781 393
Hundreds of people mine for amber near Kukhotska Volia in Rivne region, - AutoMaidan. PHOTOS A big variety of equipment is recorded near the illegal mining. 100 144 263 Previously in trend: Amber mafia
Political analysts and public activist killed in road accident in Rivne region Four persons were killed on spot, the fifth victim of the crash died in a hospital. Their Opel Omega crashed into a DAF timber truck at 7 a.m. this morning, Sept. 6. 99 510 8
Seven police officers hospitalized after conflict with amber miners in Rivne region, - National Police Seven police officers received injuries as a result of a clash with amber diggers in the Rivne region. 95 826 367
"Amber" crime boss detained in Kyiv, - National Police As part of the operation to expose a criminal scheme involving amber extraction in the Rivne region, the police detained one of the case figures, crime boss nicknamed "Ushatyi," who organized groups of diggers and collected money from them. 93 267 56 Previously in trend: Amber mafia
Amber apocalypse: hundreds of people illegally mine amber near Kukhotska Volia in Rivne region. VIDEO AutoMaidan activists took another trip to the sites of illegal extraction of amber in the Ukrainian Polissia. This time they got to Kukhotska Volia village situated almost on the border of the Rivne and Volyn regions. 90 461 196 Previously in trend: Amber mafia
"TrashBucketChallenge": Activists Throw First Deputy Chairman of the Rivne Regional Council Danylchuk in Dumpster. VIDEO Angry activists grabed Oleksander Danylchuk, the first deputy chairman of the regional council of the Rivne region, carried out him of the session hall, and threw in a trash can. Danylchuk had to sit there for a few minutes. 77 050 192
Detained Rivne region’s Deputy Prosecutor Borovyk owns watches worth of $100,000, - SBU. PHOTO The collection of watches worth of $100,000 was found during the raid at the premises belonging to Rivne region’s Deputy Prosecutor Andrii Borovyk, detained on suspicion of organizing a crime ring involved in illegal amber extraction. 65 595 148 Previously in trend: Amber mafia
Armed killers apprehended in Rivne region, - Avakov. PHOTOS Rivne police officers apprehended suspects for killing a local resident. 62 857 59 Previously in trend: Police workdays
Some 30 searches underway in "amber mafia" case: off-the-book records, huge amounts of money, weapons, mining equipment seized, - SBU. PHOTOS The Security Service of Ukraine, the prosecutor's offices, and the police continue searches of "amber mafia" members in the Rivne region. 62 559 98 Previously in trend: Amber mafia
Blow dealt to amber mafia, dismantling operation underway, - Lutsenko Combating amber mafia remains one of the priorities for the Prosecutor General's Office. 61 222 121 Previously in trend: Amber mafia
Last farewell bid to fallen ATO fighters Roman Svirzhevskyi, Oleksandr Matsiuk in Rivne region. VIDEO+PHOTOS Today, 41-year-old volunteer Oleksandr Matsiuk was laid to rest in Piskiv village, the Rivne region. On the same day, a funeral service was performed in a Rivne military unit over 21-year-old local Roman Svirzhevskyi. 59 245 1
Rivne military commander touches up and kisses women who come to his office The Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine will conduct an internal investigation into the video published with the alleged participation of the head of one of the territorial centers for recruitment and social support in the Rivne region. 55 499 153
PGO covers ‘amber mafia’ and formally refuses to refer case filed against Rivne region SBU Deputy Head Nazaruk to NABU The Prosecutor General’s Office of Ukraine represented by Acting Prosecutor General Sevruk has submitted to the National Anti-corruption Bureau the official refusal to refer the case of ‘amber mafia’ in the Rivne region to NABU detectives. 55 228 150 Previously in trend: Fighting corruption in Ukraine
'Burshtyn' operation underway: Sarny prosecutor, two persons behind illegal mining detained in Rivne region, - Avakov. PHOTOS On Sept. 12, law enforcers detained new suspects during the 'Burshtyn' ("Amber") special operation aimed at combating the illegal production of amber in the west of Ukraine. 51 831 43 Previously in trend: Amber mafia
Another scandal with sketch of Kvartal 95: "Siskadovsk did not teach anything". PHOTOS "The Kvartal 95 is once again engulfed in controversy over bad jokes. This time, the Kvartal studio members were criticized for a sketch titled "Head of Rivne TCR encrypts himself from Russian spies," which was included in the Easter episode of the United Kvartal. 50 545 174
Illegal amber dealers’ yearly earnings equal to Ukraine’s defense budget, prosecutor general says The revenues from the illegal extraction of amber in Ukraine equal to the country's defense expenditures. 46 367 117 Previously in trend: Amber mafia
Ukraine Won Property Rights for 1,500 km of the Russian Pipeline The prosecutor's office of the Rivne region won Ukraine’s ownership of the Samara West Direction and Groznyi-Armavir-Trudovaya parts of the pipeline in the court of law. 39 508 161
Three servicemen killed, nine injured as mortar exploded during drills at Rivne-based training area, - MoD A mortar exploded during live-fire training at the shooting range in Rivne at 6 a.m. today. Preliminary information indicates that three servicemen were killed and another nine received injuries. 38 216 214
Group of "mobsters" "snatched" Kostopil city council deputy Moskvych from TCR in Rivne region – media. PHOTOS On August 4, in Rivne region, during transportation of Viktor Moskvych, deputy of the Kostopil City Council from All-Ukrainian Union "Freedom" Political Party, from the Kremenets Regional TCR and SS to the military training center, the military vehicle was cut off by a car driven by criminals. 31 945 173 Previously in trend: Conflict with TCR Attack on the TCR
Mortar tube explosion at Rivne firing range could be caused by double loading, top military prosecutor says Double loading could have caused the explosion of mortar tube during live-fire exercise at the Rivne-based shooting ground. 30 953 146
SBU seized equipment and amber-work worth $1 million. PHOTOS Today in Rivne the SBU and the State Fiscal Service seized equipment to manufacture amber products, as well as amber-work worth over $1 million. 30 811 106
Detained journalists of ZIK TV channel were filming sensitive military facility, - Defense Ministry The reporters detained in the Rivne region today were filming a sensitive military facility without proper permit. 29 971 45
Drunken Sarny District Council member Zembitskyi remains at large after hitting and killing bike rider with his car. PHOTOS Audi Q7 with foreign license plates drove over and killed a bicyclist at Rivne- Starokostiantyniv highway near Oleksandria village at about 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 7. The car was found in a field three hundred meters away from the road accident scene. 28 892 210
Illegal amber worth $3 million nailed in Rivne region, - Minister Avakov. PHOTOS A record-breaking batch of amber is worth some $3 million by preliminary estimates. 28 658 109
MoD: safety measures violation is working theory of probe into mortar explosion at Rivne training area Ukraine’s Defense Ministry initiated internal investigation into the explosion of mortar at combined arms shooting range in Rivne. 28 290 118
Officer of Armed Forces of Ukraine in Rivne region found guilty of negligence in registration of logbooks - media The Kostopil District Court of Rivne region considered a case of improper processing of official documents by the chief of communications of one of the battalions. 27 695 43
SBU detains ZIK TV channel reporters in Rivne region Members of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) detained journalists of ZIK TV channel filming Donbas war-related story near the village of Orzhiv in the Rivne region. 26 953 95
Hundreds of people continue illegal amber extraction in Rivne region. VIDEO Hundreds of people continue illegal amber mining in the Rivne region. 26 721 134
Amber mafia suspect, SBU Lt. Col. Fedoruk remanded on bail, - source Security Service of Ukraine Lt. Col. Vadym Fedoruk, who is suspected of the involvement in the organization of a criminal group for illegal production and trade in amber, has been released from a remand prison on bail. 26 464 53 Previously in trend: Amber mafia
At night, Rivne region suffered massive attack by drones, oil depot was destroyed Russians attacked the Rivne region with drones. An oil depot was destroyed in Dubno district. 26 073 92 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine
Conflict at an IDP accommodation centre in Rivne region: displaced person from Donetsk region killed 5 people with hammer and axe. VIDEO+PHOTOS Today, 10 February, at around 4:15 a.m., the police received a report from a social worker that her wards from the village of Sudobychi in Rivne Oblast, who live in a disused school, heard screams in the corridor. 25 779 120 Previously in trend: Murder at IDP accommodation centres in Rivne region
Russians hit military facility in Rivne region, - Head of RMA Koval On the evening of August 28, Russian troops launched a missile attack on the Rivne region. A hit to a military facility in the Sarnensky district was recorded. 25 065 75 Previously in trend: War
SFS official of Rivne region detained for accepting 238,000-hryvnia bribe. PHOTOS One of the leaders of the State Fiscal Service (SFS) Main Department in the Rivne region has been exposed as a bribe-taker by the Security Service of Ukraine together with the interior security department of SFS and the prosecutor's office. 23 764 24 Previously in trend: Grafters
After scandalous video with kisses, former head of Rivne TCR returns from front and gets post of brigadier - media The former head of the Rivne Joint Municipal TCR and SS (Territorial Center for Recruitment and Social Support), Oleksandr Yarmoshevych, who got into a scandal because he kissed female colleagues at work, is no longer at the front. 22 549 164
Explosions were heard in Rivne region Locals heard several explosions in Rivne region during an air raid. 22 090 16
General Prosecutor’s Office approved new plan to fight illegal amber mining The General Prosecutor's Office held a meeting on countering illegal mining and trade of amber. 21 962 113
Crowd blocked vehicle of TCR to "fight off" two men in Rivne: military commissariat says they were detaining evaders. VIDEO On 25 February, a video was posted on social media showing people in civilian and camouflage clothing in the centre of Rivne, where a group of people were blocking the road to the vehicle of the regional TCR and SS. The TCR explained that they had detained two men of mobilisation age who were... 20 891 213
Сrewmembers killed in Ukrainian military helicopter crash A Mil Mi-8 helicopter of the Ukrainian Armed Forces crashed near the village of Sestriatyn in Rivne region's Radyvyliv district, killing four crewmembers and the commander. 20 855 0 Previously in trend: Russian aggression against Ukraine
Page 1 of 4
more top news
