The SSU and the National Police have dismantled a criminal group that terrorized residents of Cherkasy. Among their victims are relatives of fallen Ukrainian soldiers.

The law enforcement documented the extortion of UAH 5 million from the family of an AFU serviceman who was killed at the front.

When the gang found out that the soldier’s wife and 20-year-old son had received financial aid from the state, they went to them to collect their ‘share’.

To intimidate the victims, the criminals followed the young man and threatened him with violence, while the mother was subjected to psychological pressure through phone calls.

In addition to money, the racketeers demanded that the victims recognize one of them as an illegitimate son of the deceased defender.

In this way, they wanted to set up a scheme from them to evade mobilization and then cross the border with the money they had extorted.

The SSU detained two members of the criminal group ‘red-handed’ when they received part of the money.

According to the investigation, the apprehended individuals are local criminals who extorted non-existent debts from Cherkasy residents.

The detainees have been notified of suspicion under Article 189.4 of the CCU (extortion causing large property damage, committed under martial law).

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

The operation was carried out by the SSU Office in Cherkasy region jointly with the National Police under the procedural supervision of the regional Prosecutor’s Office.