The Security Service of Ukraine blocked the channel of illegal transportation abroad of the main parts of firearms of various types in the Zhytomyr region.

According to preliminary data from the pre-trial investigation, the smuggling was organized by a couple from Kyiv. The defendants bought components for small arms, including Kalashnikov assault rifles and machine guns of various modifications, as well as Dragunov sniper rifles.

They searched for their "clients" at the thematic Internet forums and forwarded the goods to customers, mainly from North America, by international mail services from branches in the district centers of Zhytomyr and Kyiv regions.

In order to conceal the illegal activity, the defendants remotely processed the shipment through electronic offices, which were registered for non-existent persons.

Officers of the Ukrainian special service documented several dozen facts of smuggling and prevented the sending of 20 parcels with elements of combat weapons abroad.

During searches of the suspects’ residence, law enforcement officers seized electronic equipment and other physical evidence of illegal actions.

Within the criminal proceedings initiated upon the fact of criminal attempt and smuggling. Urgent investigative actions are underway. Currently, the SBU are checking the smuggling channels of military components.

The operation was carried out by the SBU Office in Zhytomyr region under the supervision of the Regional Prosecutor's Office.