The SSU continues fighting against transnational crime that threatens Ukraine’s state security. As a result of a special operation in Ternopil, a foreigner, wanted by Interpol for serious crimes, was detained.

The detainee is a member of an international criminal group from the South Caucasus. The criminals specialized in robberies committed with special cruelty.

The SSU received intelligence that one of the gang members secretly arrived to Ukraine, where he hoped to hide from justice.

In addition, the individual tried to create his own criminal group in western Ukraine to carry out ‘raids’ on local homes and businesses.

In this way, the gangster planned to spread criminal influence in the area and ‘raise his status’ in the criminal hierarchy.

This could have led to aggravation and destabilization of the situation in Ukraine’s western regions.

However, the SSU prevented the implementation of his criminal intentions. The suspect’s location was established and he was detained.

The decision on extradition arrest is pending. The SSU is verifying the detainee’s possible involvement in serious crimes in Ukraine.

The SSU Office in Ternopil Region carried out the operation jointly with the State Migration Service.