SBU officers stopped in Odesa region an organized criminal group, specializing in assaults, robberies and extortion of money from citizens through violence and threats of physical harm.

Allegedly, the group included two previously convicted for serious crimes, local residents and a citizen of one of the countries of the South Caucasus. The attackers created artificial conflict situations in order to “collect” a non-existent debt from representatives of commercial structures of the region.

SBU operatives received information about the criminals’ involvement in the kidnapping and torture of businessman from Ovidiopol district. The offenders intended to “wheedle” money out of him by threatening murder and serious harm.

The group members were detained at the place of residence.

During 15 searches in the suspects’ premises and vehicles, law enforcement officers seized evidences proving illegal activity and sent for further examination.

Currently detainees were served a notice of suspicion stipulated by Part 2 Art.187 and Part 2 Art.146 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The court chose a preventive measure for the two organizers of the group in the form of detention without a bail.

The operation was carried out jointly with the Investigative Department of the Main Department of the National Police in Odesa region under the procedural supervision of the Regional Prosecutor's Office.