The Security Service and the National Police have prevented further attempts of illicit arms trade in Ukraine.

As a result of the operation in Kyiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions, a criminal group that had prepared a large quantity of ‘trophy’ weapons for clandestine sale has been neutralised.

The law enforcement detained the group’s organiser, two of his accomplices, and three criminals who were trying to sell the weapons.

Among the items seized are 75 firearms, including Kalashnikov assault rifles, as well as 38 combat grenades, over 20 detonators, two grenade launchers, and 13,000 rounds of ammunition.

The group first covertly transported the weapons from frontline areas and hid them.

To repair the damaged weapons, the perpetrators set up workshops in their homes and ordered new parts through specialised online platforms.

Once the munitions were restored to full combat readiness, the dealers sought customers to sell them to. These were members of local criminal circles who could use the weapons to commit crimes.

However, the SSU and the National Police identified the members of the crime ring while they were still preparing to sell the weapons. The law enforcement agencies caught all the gang members red-handed during the handover of the weapons.

An additional 13,000 rounds of ammunition of various calibres and large sums of cash were seized during the searches of the clandestine workshops and residential properties.

The detained persons have been notified of suspicion under Articles 28.2 and 263.1 of the CCU (illegal handling of weapons, ammunition, or explosives, committed by a group, upon prior conspiracy).

A decision on the additional qualification of the suspects’ actions is pending.

The perpetrators are in custody and face up to 7 years in prison.

The operational and investigative activities were carried out under the procedural supervision of the Prosecutor General’s Office.