As the result of a special operation in Donetsk region, 40 tonnes of illegally produced coal, transportation equipment and fake documents for smuggling coal have been confiscated, the press service of the prosecutor's office of Donetsk region reported.

The prosecutor's office in cooperation with the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) conducted a special operation to uncover places of illegal production of coal in Maryinsky district of Donetsk region. "t's been established that the coal production is openly conducted in an open-pit mine in the village of Illinka of Maryinsky district of Donetsk region under the control of law enforcers of Donetsk region, " reads the statement.

Criminals created the whole scheme to transport and realize coal: after production it was taken to a station near Novhorodivka in Donetsk region in trucks belonging to a company located in Zaporizhia. Then, after corresponding fake documents were made, the coal was transported via railroad to customers in other regions of Ukraine.

"During searches, law enforcers confiscated 40 tonnes of illegally produced coal, transportation equipment – five trucks, two excavators, and fake documents…," the press service reported.

The investigation is ongoing.

In addition, the pre-trial investigation will include a high-toned assessment of failure to act by corresponding controlling and law enforcement agencies of the region that have to prevent illegal coal production.