SBU blocked in the JFO area activity of an organized criminal group, members of which were illegally selling firearms, ammo and explosives.

Allegedly, the group consisted of five residents of Donetsk region, who were trying to find their clients through personal connections among the criminal circles.

SBU operatives documented facts of illegal sale of two RPG grenade launchers, two АК-74 guns, VOG grenades for automatic grenade launcher, F1grenades and several hundred of ammo.

The law enforcement detained the whole group in Bakhmut City on their attempt to sell RPG-22 grenade launcher, almost 5 kilos of plastic explosive, Kalashnikov gun, improvised explosive device and ammo (in accordance with the Art. 208 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine). The suspects planned to receive UAH 55,000 (USD 2,200) for the deal.

The issues of serving a notice of suspicion of unlawful handling of weapons, ammunition or explosives (P.1 Art. 263 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine) to the detainees and choosing custody as a form of detention are being decided.

The investigation is ongoing in order to identify the origin sources of arms and to bring to justice other persons involved in the illegal activity.

The operation was conducted by the SBU Main Directorate in Donetsk and Luhansk regions jointly with the National Police under the supervision of the Prosecutor’s Office.