The SSU continues systematic fight 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 and intimidated local population.

To do this, they created artificial conflict situations with citizens and then ‘extorted’ money from them to ‘resolve the dispute’.

If people refused to pay, they used psychological pressure, violence and death threats, including to the victims’ close relatives.

The SSU documented how the criminals extorted USD 8,000 from a local.

As a result of operational and investigative actions, the law enforcement detained three representatives of the group’s ‘force wing’, when they received part of the money from the victim.

According to the investigation, all of them have been repeatedly prosecuted for committing serious crimes.

During the searches, the SSU found weapons and proceeds of crime.

The three detainees have been notified of suspicion under the Article 189.4 of the CCU (extortion). Court chose custody as a measure of restraint.

The investigation is ongoing.

The SSU Office in Dnipropetrovsk region exposed the offenders jointly with the National Police under the procedural supervision of the Prosecutor’s Office.