The SSU jointly with the National Police neutralized a criminal group that terrorized residents of Odesa region. The gang was headed by the chairman of the city council of one of the region's port cities.

According to the investigation, the offenders attempted to illegally seize a local resort complex on the Black Sea coast.

To do this, the group members forced the owner of the recreational facility to give up 50% of her corporate rights.

After that, the suspects appointed their CEO, who looked for buyers for the complex.

Having found the buyers, the criminals were going to extort the remaining 50% of the corporate rights from the owner.

The investigation established that the mayor involved a lawyer, registrars and notaries under his control, to carry out the fraud.

They had to register the extorted facility with potential buyers.

Law enforcement officers detained the head of the criminal group red-handed while he was receiving a USD 30,000 advance payment from the buyers.

Based on the evidence collected, the detainee was served a notice of suspicion under Art. 189-4 of the CCU (organization of extortion of property rights with the threat of violence against the victim, committed by a group of persons under martial law). A measure of restraint is being chosen.

The investigation is ongoing to bring all members of the criminal group to justice. The offenders are facing up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.

The operation is carried out by the SSU Office in Odesa region jointly with the National Police under the procedural supervision of the regional Prosecutor’s Office.