SBU exposed in Zaporizzhya former officer of “Berkut” (special police force, disembodied in 2014) on illegal manufacture and sale of firearms. 

Allegedly, the ex-officer, who now is the head of the security unit of a Kyiv business corporation, was involved into the illegal activity. In particular, having special knowledge about repair of firearms, the suspect re-equipped traumatic and starting weapons into combat arms for further sale. He searched for clients in specialized Internet platforms and sold the weapons using personal contacts in criminal circles in Zaporizzhya, Kyiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions. 

The law enforcement detained the suspect in Zaporizzhya on another attempt to sell 10 starting guns re-equipped into combat arms with 200 rounds worth UAH 50,000 (USD 1,800). During the search of the suspect’s car, another re-equipped gun with rounds was seized. 

Previously, the law enforcement documented several facts of selling weapons by the suspect. 

As of now, all seized weapons are being examined by the experts. The detainee was served a notice of suspicion of unlawful handling of weapons, ammunition and explosives (P. 1 Art. 263 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). 

The form of detention is being chosen.

The investigation is ongoing to establish all the circumstances of the case, as well as to identify the clients of the suspect and to bring to justice all the persons involved into the illegal activity. 

The operation was conducted jointly with Zaporizzhya region Police department under the supervision of the Prosecutor’s Office of Zaporizzhya region.