The SSU continues its systemic fight against organized crime, which is trying to infiltrate government and local authorities.

As a result of a special operation in Kropyvnytskyi, the SSU dismantled a group of racketeers headed by a current member of the city council.

Under his leadership, the gangsters were extorting USD 92,000 from a local businessman with whom the deputy has joint business.

The victim was supposed to transfer this amount to the criminals as payment of a non-existent debt to the city council member, the gang’s boss.

The SSU detained the suspect in Kropyvnytskyi when he received the second part of the illegal payment.

Prior to that, the SSU had documented him get the first ‘tranche’ from the entrepreneur.

According to the investigation, the gang included local criminals specializing in racketeering.

At the direction of their leader, the offenders extorted money from locals under false pretenses. If victims refused to pay, they used psychological pressure, physical violence and death threats.

During searches of the official’s home and office, a large amount of cash, probably obtained by criminal means, was found.

Based on the evidence collected, the city council member and one of his accomplices have been served notices of suspicion under Article 189.4 of the CCU (extortion committed by an organized group under martial law).

Court is to decide on custody as a measure of restraint. The investigation is ongoing to bring all those involved to justice.

The offenders are facing up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.

The SSU Office in Kirovohrad region carried out the operation jointly with the National Police under the procedural supervision of the Prosecutor General’s Office.