The SSU has blocked another scheme of ‘hidden’ trade with the aggressor state.

Two dealers who set up wholesale supplies of granite to russian enterprises have been apprehended in Zhytomyr region. Their main clients were russian companies owned by members of the kremlin’s united russia party.

The russian customers used a significant part of the illegal imports to make headstones for ruscists killed in action in Ukraine.

According to the investigation, a local businessman organized the scheme. He had been supplying mining products to russia even before the full-scale invasion.

After 24 February 2022, the entrepreneur continued to trade with the invaders under the ‘interrupted transit’ scheme.

To do this, he illegally moved to one of the neighbouring EU states, where he registered a commercial entity.

That foreign company bought granite from Ukraine supposedly for business projects in the EU.

However, after receiving the Ukrainian product, the organizer sold it to real customers from russia.

To buy granite in Ukraine and transport to the EU, he engaged two accomplices from Zhytomyr region. They looked for companies extracting granite, bought and delivered it abroad.

These two accomplices have been detained in Ukraine.

Searches of their homes and offices revealed documents and other material evidence of the crime. Large amounts of cash, probably proceeds of crime, were also found.

All three suspects have been notified of suspicion under Articles 28.2 and 111-2.1 of the CCU (aiding the aggressor state, committed by a group).

The investigation is ongoing. The suspects face up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.

The operation was carried out under the procedural supervision of the Prosecutor General’s Office.