The Security Service of Ukraine blocked in Zakarpattya region the activities of an organized group, dealing with robbery and extortion of money from citizens.

Allegedly, the group consisted of representatives of one of the national minorities in the region, including residents previously convicted of serious crimes. The criminals demanded money from the locals under bogus pretexts. In case of non-payment, they threatened the victims with physical harassment and damage to private property.

SBU operatives have documented the fact of extortion of more than USD 4,500 from a resident of the region.

Law enforcement officers detained the leader of the ethnic group in accordance with Art.208 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine in Mukachevo district on receiving another part of the bribe.

The issue of serving the detainee suspicion notice under Part 2 Art.189 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine is being resolved.

 Investigative actions are ongoing to bring other group members to justice.

 The exposing operation was conducted under the procedural guidance of the Prosecutor's Office of Zakarpattya region.