The SSU continues to fight against international organized crime, which is trying to infiltrate the ranks of Ukrainian law enforcement agencies. As a result of a special operation in Odesa, the SSU neutralized a powerful criminal group of the so-called Sukhumi-Kutaisi clan.

Among the detained is a current employee of a law enforcement agency.

The activities of the entire gang were coordinated by an influential criminal, ‘thief in law’ Antimos.

Due to inclusion in the NSDC sanctions list, the crime boss was banned from entering our country. That’s why he managed the criminal activities from the territory of a country in the Middle East, where he recently died.

Members of the gang terrorized residents of southern Ukraine and extorted money from local entrepreneurs. If they refused to pay the ‘tribute’, the mobsters used psychological pressure, violence and death threats.

According to the investigation, the gang members kidnapped and tortured people for ransom.

Such illegally obtained money was used to fill the ‘thieves’ coffers’ and support convicted accomplices in prisons.

The leaders of the group tried to spread their criminal influence on the territory of the Black Sea region. To do this, they intimidated people and committed especially cruel assaults and robberies.

The group included several Odesa criminals, previously convicted for serious crimes.

The investigation established that the perpetrators tried to extort USD 200,000 from an Odesa businessman.

As a result of an operation, the SSU prevented a robbery, documented the criminal activities of the group and detained three active participants.

During the searches of the suspects’ homes, the law enforcement uncovered:

• an anti-tank rocket;
• a Makarov’s pistol;
• an F-1 combat grenade;
• assorted ammunition for small arms.

The seized items were sent for examination.

The detainees have been notified of suspicion of robbery (Article 187.4 of the CCU). The court has ruled on custody without bail as a measure of restraint. The crime is punishable by 15 years of imprisonment.

The investigation is underway.

The SSU Office in Odesa Region exposed and detained the criminals under the procedural supervision of Primorskyi District Prosecutor’s Office of Odesa. The pre-trial investigation is carried out by the National Police.