The SBU exposed an organized group on selling explosives and ammunition. The offenders extracted explosives out of air bombs and artillery shells of World War II. The law enforcement officers seized almost 15 kg of explosives.

The clandestine workshop was arranged near the houses of one of the villages in Zhytomyr region. That posed a danger to the locals. Improper handling of ammunition could have led to detonation and large-scale emergencies.  

Two residents of Berdychiv district organized the illegal business. They were digging for ammunition on the sites of former battlefields. The offenders extracted gunpowder in violation of safety requirements.

Allegedly, they planned to sell the explosives to representatives of criminal groups.

During searches, the SBU officers seized:

• two containers with prepared TNT;
• 37 aircraft bombs of various calibers;
• artillery gunpowder.

The investigation into unlawful handling of weapons, ammunition or explosives is ongoing to prosecute those involved in the illegal activity.

The operation was conducted by the SBU Office in Zhytomyr region jointly with investigators of the Berdychiv District Police Department, under the supervision of Zhytomyr Region the Prosecutor's Office.