Smal Victor Ihorovych

The country's chief "forester," suspended amid cases of illegal enrichment in the sector

Political scientist and internationalist (born 1984, Kyiv), a graduate of the Institute of International Relations at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv; prior to public service, he ran a private IT/digital business. Since February 2021 — Deputy Head of the State Forestry Agency for Digitalization, from December 2023 — Head of the agency. On July 1, 2026, the Cabinet of Ministers initiated disciplinary proceedings against him and suspended him from office; the investigation continues through August.

"Duo" with Bolokhovets

Long-term management partner of Yuriy Bolokhovets — former head of the State Forestry Agency and director of SE "Forests of Ukraine," who was detained by the State Bureau of Investigations on July 21, 2025, in a case of illegal enrichment. Expert D. Malandiy ("Open Forest") accused the duo of a "raider" takeover of the state enterprise and called its investment program of UAH 4.1 billion a "fake and criminal scheme."

Wealth and Crimea

According to an investigation by OBOZ.UA, while in public service Smal acquired assets three times greater than during his years in business; companies of acquaintances won profile tenders and received logging permits. Media noted that his wife owns real estate in occupied Crimea. There is no verdict.