The damages inflicted by the individuals are preliminarily estimated at nearly three million hryvnias. They face up to three years of restriction of freedom.

A few days ago, during a joint patrol with border guards and the fish protection patrol, employees of the Odessa water police discovered two men, aged 46 and 42, extracting illegal catch and prohibited fishing gear from the estuary. They had no permits for fishing activities.

The investigative group that arrived at the scene seized 93 nets and 1897 units of fish and crabs as evidence. All items have been entrusted to a specialized enterprise for safekeeping during the pre-trial investigation.

According to preliminary estimates, the fishermen caused state losses of nearly three million hryvnias.

Authorities have entered the details into the Unified Register of Pre-Trial Investigations under Article 249 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, concerning illegal fishing that causes significant damage. An ecological forensic examination has been appointed to determine the exact amount of damages to the state. After necessary investigative actions and obtaining expert conclusions, the issue of notifying the suspects will be addressed. They face up to three years of restriction of freedom.

The investigation continues under the procedural guidance of the Black Sea District Prosecutor's Office.

Police urge citizens to be responsible, comply with current legislation, and protect nature.