In Kyiv, the SSU dismantled a criminal group engaged in transit trafficking of large consignments of anabolic steroids via Ukraine to the EU.

According to preliminary estimates, their proceeds for several months were over UAH 5 mln (USD 189,700).

The members of the group set up a scheme of illegal transportation of potent substances across the border, receiving the goods from their accomplices in an East Asian state.

They offered to sell steroids to foreign clients, whom they found through special web-sites.

They used international postal services or hired couriers to send the goods to customers, receiving the payments to bank cards.

The SSU exposed one of the members on the attempt to illegally move a consignment to the EU via Yagodyn customs checkpoint in Volyn region. The smuggler concealed the banned substances among personal belongings.

The operation resulted in the seizure of:

• a large quantity of steroids;
• communication devices and computers with evidence of illegal activity;
• money of probably criminal origin.

Currently, the investigators are preparing notices of suspicion, and the court is to decide on the measure of restraint.  

Investigation is underway to establish all the circumstances of the offence and bring to justice all those involved.

The SSU Main Directorate for Combating Corruption and Organized Crime carried out the operation jointly with the SSU Office in Kyiv and Kyiv region under the supervision of Kyiv Region Prosecutor’s Office.