The SSU counteracts to transnational criminal groups that pose a threat to the state security of Ukraine. In an operation in Lviv region, the Service detained the so-called ‘thief in law’.

The individual illegally arrived to Ukraine with the purpose of creating and coordinating organized criminal groups.

The SSU is verifying information regarding subversive activity of Russian special services due to current attempts to artificially aggravate the crime-related situation in the Western regions of Ukraine.

The detainee is a known criminal involved in committing serious and particularly serious crimes, a native of one of the states in the South Caucasus.

In May, the NSDC of Ukraine included the criminal in the sanctions list as he caused systematic threats to the state security of Ukraine. The individual was also banned from entering our country.

According to preliminary data, the criminal tried to hide in Lviv region to influence criminal environment. For this purpose, he planned to create an illicit organization with an extensive network of cells in the region.

The investigation established that the gangster tried to use counterfeit  documents to cross the border and covertly stay in Ukraine.

The SSU investigators have notified the detainee of suspicion under Article 332-2.1 (illegal crossing of the state border of Ukraine) of the CCU. The court is to choose the measure of restraint.

The SSU Office in Lviv region and the SSU special purpose units carried out the operation under the supervision of Lviv Regional Prosecutor’s Office.