Early 2021, SBU investigations resulted in more than 80 convictions for crimes against the national security of Ukraine. The offenders were convicted of encroachment on the territorial integrity of Ukraine and involvement in terrorism.

In addition, the SBU suppressed activity of a private military company with over 150 members and made a number of high-profile arrests. The said investigations are still ongoing.

In particular, the SBU detained a leader of a “DNR” IAF, members of which committed serious crimes against civilians. The militant received a suspicion notice of trespass against territorial integrity and inviolability of Ukraine, sabotage and creation of a terrorist group.

SBU officers also detained a Russian citizen, member of an ethnic criminal group involved in terrorism financing.

The SBU is rigorously counteracting foreigners intending to affect our state. Moreover, it responds not only to committed offenses, but takes proactive steps.  

For example, since early 2021, the SBU has banned 63 foreigners involved in activity of international terrorist and religious extremist organizations from entering Ukraine. Also, seven foreign citizens were extradited from our state to their countries of origin.

The SBU is consistently fighting against terrorism. In 2021, it cracked down on hawala illegal currency transfers. The suspects set up the funding channel in the interests of counterparties from high terrorism risk countries. Two offenders received suspicion papers of money laundering.

In total, in the first quarter of 2021, SBU investigators initiated 815 criminal proceedings. 280 indictments were sent to court.