As a result of a special operation in Kyiv, the SSU neutralized an organized criminal group operating under the guise of a volunteer formation.

The gang included 5 individuals of different nationalities. They were run from russia by a native of Dagestan controlled by representatives of russian special services.

To disguise criminal activity, the gang members joined the ranks of a volunteer battalion in one of the districts of Kyiv. Using documents of fictitious persons, they received automatic weapons, which they later hid at their places of residence.

An arsenal of weapons was confiscated from the suspects. Among them are 29 Kalashnikov assault rifles, 1.2 kg of explosives and grenades.

According to the investigation, the gangsters planned to use stolen weapons to destabilize the situation in the region.

During the investigative actions with the involvement of the Centre for Special Operations ‘A’ of the SSU, the investigators also seized:

• a grenade launcher,
• an RPK machine gun,
• 2 combat pistols (TT and Glock-17),
• over 1,000 rounds of assorted ammunition.

One of the active members of the gang has been notified of suspicion.

A pre-trial investigation is underway to bring to justice other members of the group.

The SSU carried out the operation under the procedural supervision of Kyiv Desnianskyi District Prosecutor’s Office.