SBU officers detained the members of an organized criminal group suspected of committing a number of felonies in Zakarpattya region.

Allegedly, the offenders intentionally cased the conflicts and extorted money for its resolving. They imposed “taxes” on the businessmen and demanded the payment of non-existent debts, while using psychological pressure and physical violence. One of the leaders is a deputy of the Svalyava District Council.

During the searches in offenders’ residences SBU officers found drugs, cash, weapons, knuckles, ammo of different caliber, which the attackers used to intimidate citizens.

SBU operatives documented the extortion of USD 24,000 from a local resident. The issue of serving a notice of suspicion to eight detainees is now being settled. Type of detention is being chosen.

Investigation is ongoing within the criminal proceeding initiated under the Art. 255, Art. 189, Art. 307 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

In addition, the SBU uncovered and blocked an extensive interregional network for drug production and selling. In particular, law enforcement documented and exposed a group of individuals engaged in trafficking and selling of drugs. They worked in Mukachevo, Svalyava and Uzhhorod towns. During the searches SBU officers seized over 500g of methamphetamine, as well as cannabis and psychotropic pills.

The operation was conducted by the SBU Main Directorate for Combating Corruption and Organized Crime jointly with the SBU Office in Zakarpattya region under the legal supervision of the Prosecutor’s Office of Zakarpattya region.