The SSU is systemically fighting against organized crime, which threatens Ukraine’s state security amidst the ongoing war.

As a result of a special operation in Dnipro, the SSU neutralized a criminal group that terrorized local population.

The gang included 10 members, most of whom have been repeatedly prosecuted for committing grave and especially grave crimes.

The criminals specialized in robberies and extortion of money, including from small and medium-sized businesses.

If victims refused to pay a ‘tribute’, the gangsters threatened with physical violence and destruction of private property.

To disguise unlawful actions, they constantly changed cars, used wigs, fake car plates and counterfeit SSU IDs.

The SSU documented several episodes of the group’s criminal activity.

The gang kidnapped a local businessman and forcibly held him in a rented room.

There, the victim was beaten and subjected to psychological pressure. In this way, the attackers obtained the keys to the man’s private home.

The criminals robbed the entrepreneur’s apartment, stealing cash in foreign currency worth over UAH 1 mln.

As a result of a multi-stage special operation, the SSU exposed the group’s criminal plans and detained five of its active members on an attempt to kidnap another person.

Later, another four suspects were detained at their homes.

According to the investigation, the gang leader is a local criminal who is awaiting sentencing in a local pre-trial detention center for robbery and looting.

It was he who remotely controlled the group and ‘agreed’ the list of potential victims.

During the searches, the SSU seized unregistered weapons and other evidence.

The apprehended individuals were served notices of suspicion under three Articles of the CCU:

• 146 (illegal imprisonment or abduction of a person);
• 186 (robbery);
• 263 (illegal handling of weapons, ammunition or explosives).

Court is to decide on custody as a measure of restraint. The investigation is ongoing.

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