Damage nearing €40 million: in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, an official organized the extraction and sale of mineral water without permits

In Dnipropetrovsk region, investigators have served a notice of suspicion to a company official over the illegal extraction of underground mineral waters. His actions allegedly caused damage to the state exceeding 2 billion hryvnias (almost €40 million).

This was reported by the Office of the Prosecutor General, the Main Directorate of the National Police in Dnipropetrovsk region, and the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Prosecutor’s Office.

According to the investigation, after special permits for subsoil use were suspended, the company’s chief engineer—contrary to legal requirements—organized and ensured the unauthorized extraction of underground mineral waters in the Samarivskyi district of Dnipropetrovsk region. By doing so, he allegedly violated Ukraine’s Law “On the Nature Reserve Fund of Ukraine” and the Subsoil Code of Ukraine.

During 2023–2024, the illegally extracted natural resources were used to produce and sell natural table mineral water to the public. The resource is described as a strategic natural asset under state protection. Illegal extraction creates risks for the environment and the region’s water reserves.

According to a forensic engineering and environmental expert examination, the damage to the state exceeds 2 billion hryvnias (almost €40 million).

On January 6, investigators notified the official of suspicion under Part 3, Article 240 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. He faces three to six years in prison.