The SSU has dismantled a criminal group that terrorized residents of Zaporizhzhia. Their victims included relatives of fallen Ukrainian soldiers.

The SSU documented the extortion of USD 10,000 from a wife of a Ukrainian defender killed in action.

After learning that the woman had received state financial assistance, the perpetrators demanded that she pay the money – supposedly a debt of her late husband.

To intimidate the woman, the racketeers constantly harassed her and used psychological pressure.

If she refused to pay, they threatened to first hurt her and then kill her and her minor child.

The SSU detained three extortionists when they received half of the money from the woman.

According to the investigation, the suspects are residents of Zaporizhzhia and had previously served sentences for serious crimes, including robbery.

The members of the criminal group imposed a ‘tribute’ on local residents, creating artificial conflict situations or extorting non-existent debts.

Through regular robberies, the gang tried to spread their influence in the city and the region.

The detainees have been notified of suspicion under Article 189.4 of the CCU (extortion, committed by an organized group, under martial law).

The perpetrators are in custody and face up to 12 years in prison. The investigation is ongoing.

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