The SSU has neutralized an organized criminal group that terrorized and intimidated population in Chernihiv oblast.

The criminals created artificial conflict situations with the residents of the border region and then extorted money from them for ‘settling the dispute’.

The racketeers had a network of informants, through which they gathered information on potential victims.

The group’s activities created preconditions for undermining the internal political situation in the northern region bordering russia.

The SSU detained five members of the gang on an attempt to kidnap a local resident, from whom the extortionists demanded a ‘debt’ of almost UAH 100,000.

If victims refused to pay, the gangsters kidnapped them, took to pre-arranged sites and subjected to severe torture.

They tortured people and promised to stop only after an immediate money transfer to the offenders’ bank accounts.

The perpetrators also destroyed citizens’ property in other regions by arson.

In just a few episodes documented by the law enforcement, the criminals extorted over UAH 200,000 from the victims.

According to the investigation, the crime ring included Chernihiv residents with previous convictions for serious crimes.

The detained individuals have been notified of suspicion under Article 189.4 of the CCU (extortion, under martial law). The suspects are in custody, facing up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.

The SSU is verifying their involvement in committing other crimes.

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