SBU officers blocked illegal arms and ammo production and trafficking in Kyiv, Kharkiv and Poltava regions.

Allegedly, two residents of Kharkiv and Kremenchuk were remodeling outdated types of weapons for further sale. The suspects arranged the workshops at their private residences. The dealers searched through the specialized website platforms for the potential “clients”. The weapons were sent to the clients via postal service.

During searches of the suspects’ residences, the law enforcement seized 2 machine pistols, 13 pistols and revolvers; 2 rifles, weapon modification equipment, as well as ammo of different caliber.

The issue of serving a notice of suspicion of committing the crime is being decided.

SBU also revealed a clandestine firearm manufacturing workshop in Kyiv.

Allegedly, a Kyiv resident has set up the firearm manufacturing workshop at his own residence. The suspect produced weapons for further sale. The suspect searched through the specialized forums for the potential “clients”. The firearms were sent to customers via postal services.

During the searches of the suspect’s residence, the law enforcement seized 2 machine pistols, a large amount of different-caliber ammo, almost 0.5 kilo of gunpowder, weapon modification equipment and details for two machine pistols.

The seized munitions were sent for examination.

The criminal proceedings were initiated upon the both facts of 

unlawful handling of weapons, ammunition or explosives (P. 1 Art. 263 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

The investigation is ongoing in order to bring to justice all persons involved in the unlawful activity.

The operation was carried out jointly with the Department of Strategic Investigations of the National Police of Ukraine.