The Security Service of Ukraine exposed an interethnic organized criminal group in Odesa that terrified citizens and kept entrepreneurs of the region in fear. The SBU CSO “A” officers detained four organizers of the group during an abduction attempt.

Allegedly, the group included more than 10 Odesa residents. The suspects created artificial conflicts, for solution of which they demanded large sums of money from their victims. In case of non-payment, the group members threatened people with physical violence.

According to available operative information, the group's activities were controlled by a "crime boss" nicknamed "Lotu Guli", who is hiding abroad from Ukrainian authorities.

SBU officers received information about group members preparing for the abduction of a local businessman. The suspects planned to "knock out" money from the victim, threatening to kill the businessman.

During the searches of the suspects’ residences, the law enforcement officers found evidence proving the illegal activity. The evidence is sent for examination.

The issues of serving the suspects notices of suspicion and choosing custody as a form of detention are currently being settled. The investigation is ongoing to prosecute other members of the group.

The operation was conducted jointly with the National Police investigators under the supervision of the regional Prosecutor's Office.