In Kirovohrad region, the SBU detained organized crime group, which extorted money from local residents.

Allegedly, according to the instructions of the “thieve in law” the attackers systematically demanded money from representatives of commercial entities and rich citizens threatening with violence.

The SBU operatives found that two group members, in particular, extorted a non-existent debt of USD 30,000 from the head of the farm. The perpetrators forced him to re-register 13 ha of land plot on them. If he refused, the offenders threatened the farmer with violence and destruction of property.

Within the criminal proceedings, the SBU officers documented that the offenders committed several criminal acts.

The law enforcement detained the perpetrators in a coffee shop.

Additionally, the SBU officers conducted searches of the suspects’ residences and vehicles.

The offenders were served a notice of suspicion of extortion.

The investigation is ongoing to establish all the circumstances of the illegal activities. The involvement of the leader of the criminal group is also being checked.

The operation was conducted by the SBU Main Directorate of Internal Security and the SBU Main Directorate of Combating Corruption and Organized Crime jointly with the Investigation Department of the National Police under the supervision of Kirovohrad Region Prosecutor’s Office.