The SSU jointly with the National Police have dismantled a powerful criminal group that terrorized and intimidated residents of Vinnytsia oblast. The special operation resulted in the detention of the gang’s leader - the so-called ‘overseer’ for the region, a notorious crime boss ‘Komar’.

The SSU also apprehended two other members of the group, including a sanctioned offender with influence in criminal circles.

According to the investigation, the crime ring has been terrorizing local population for over 10 years, extorting money from people for non-existent debts.

They created artificial conflict situations and then demanded large sums of money for a ‘peaceful’ resolution.

If victims refused to pay, the gangsters threatened them and their relatives with physical violence and murder, as well as destruction of private property.

The investigation documented ‘Komar’ and his accomplices extort USD 20,000 from a local businessman and threaten to kill him if the ‘tribute’ was not paid.

The SSU detained the suspects ‘red-handed’ - when they were received USD 10,000 from the victim.

During the searches, the law enforcement seized:

• firearms, traumatic and cold steel weapons;
• ‘IOU notes’ from victims and ‘accounting’ records for money paid;
• large amounts of cash obtained is a criminal way;
• mobile phones with evidence of the crimes.

The leader of the group and its members have been notified of suspicion under Article 189.4 of the CCU (extortion by an organized group, under martial law).

The investigation is underway. The suspects are in custody, facing up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.

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