The SSU and the National Police investigators have dismantled a criminal group that imposed tributes and terrorized residents of Zhytomyr region. Their victims include a seriously wounded Armed Forces soldier and his wife.

It is documented that the criminals demanded USD 3,000 from the couple in one go. Overall, they were going to extort almost UAH 1.5 mln (USD 35,000) to fill the so-called ‘gang’s coffers’.

The perpetrators broke into the man’s apartment when they learned that he had received compensation from the state for the fragment wounds to his leg.

Taking advantage of the soldier’s serious condition, they threatened him and his wife with a knife to force them to pay a ‘tribute’.

In case of refusal, the racketeers promised to return and forcibly take all the money and other private property, and kill the couple.

The SSU detained all three members of the gang when they again came to the defender’s home.

According to the investigation, the leader of the group is a repeat offender who had already served three sentences for abduction, robbery and extortion. He involved two accomplices in the crime, including a local woman involved in pimping.

During the searches, the investigators seized cold steel weapons and mobile phones with evidence of the crime, as well as cash and household appliances that they had stolen from the victims.

The detained individuals have been notified of suspicion under Article 189.4 of the CCU (extortion with the threat of violence against the victim, committed repeatedly, upon prior conspiracy, by a group, under martial law).

The suspects are in custody and face up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.

The operation was carried out by the SSU Zhytomyr Office jointly with the National Police under the procedural supervision of the regional Prosecutor’s Office.