SBU officers in Zaporizhhya prevented smuggling of a collection of honorary medals and badges.

Allegedly, the owner of a local antique store arranged smuggling of Soviet Union awards to CIS countries.

He bought antiques from private collectors as well as from people with criminal backgrounds who specialized in theft of orders and medals from veterans. The stolen items he sold at his own online store via international mail services, hiding them from customs control.

Reportedly, every month he sent "goods" worth at least UAH 50,000 (USD 18,000). In another illegal delivery, which headed to Russia, law enforcement officers seized a collection of medals and orders of the 1st quarter of XX century for UAH 11,000 (USD 400).

During authorized investigative actions at the suspect’s place of residence and store, law enforcement found a large number of antiquities, computer equipment and mobile phones, containing evidence of illegal activity.

Within the framework of criminal proceedings initiated under Part 2 of Art. 15, Part 1, Art. 201 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, the suspect is served a notice of suspicion.

Investigative actions are ongoing.