In Kharkiv region, the SBU CI exposed and blocked the illegal activities of an interregional criminal group. Its members illegally supplied large consignments of military goods to Russia.

The SBU established that the group included residents of Kharkiv, Kyiv and Sumy regions. On the secondary market, they purchased components from private traders. Avoiding customs control, the offenders exported components to Russia by truck. There, a mediator resold aircraft, tank-building and electronic equipment to Russian defense enterprises.

Within the initiated criminal proceedings, SBU operatives prevented an attempt to illegally smuggle to Russia a consignment of military goods worth over USD 100,000.

During the final stage of the special operation, law enforcement officers conducted 16 searches of the offenders’ residences and storages in Kharkiv, Kyiv and Sumy regions. During the investigation, the SBU seized:

• components for military equipment;
• stamps for forgery of technical documentation;
• seals of companies, accounting documents, draft records, checks, means of communication and other evidence of illegal activity.

Currently, SBU investigators are settling the issue of serving the detainees suspicion notices of violation of the procedure for international transfers of goods subject to state export control.

SBU officers are also checking their possible involvement in the supply of Ukrainian defense companies with used components for military equipment.

According to one version, the offenders bought equipment in Russia and Ukraine, made ostensible repairs and forged technical documentation.

The operation was conducted under the supervision of Kharkiv Region Prosecutor's Office.