According to preliminary estimates, fishermen have caused the state losses amounting to nearly 2.5 million UAH. The offenders face possible imprisonment.

Water police officers, in collaboration with border guards, apprehended two men aged 71 and 47 at Katlabug Lake near the village of Bahate in the Saf'yanyivska community for fishing without proper permits, using illegal nets.

A response team from the local police seized the boat, 12 nets totaling nearly a kilometer in length, 2 fyke nets, and nearly 1300 fish, including crucian carp, carp, bream, pike, perch, white amur, and others.

Ecologists estimate that the men caused damages to Ukraine's fisheries amounting to about 2.5 million UAH.

Criminal proceedings have been initiated under part 1 of Article 249 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, concerning illegal fishing that causes significant harm. The maximum penalty for this offense is up to three years of imprisonment.

“We have appointed a judicial-ecological examination to determine the exact amount of damage caused to the state. After conducting necessary investigative actions and obtaining expert conclusions, we will address the issue of notifying the suspects,” stated Natalia Marymorovych, head of the investigative sector of the Izmail district police.

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