During a special operation in Kirovohrad region, the SSU dismantled an organized criminal group. The offenders intimidated and extorted money from residents of Oleksandriia. Violence and death threats were used against the victims.

The gang included a law enforcement officer.

According to findings, the network extorted money from citizens, including owners of small businesses. To do this, they provoked conflicts and forced people to pay back non-existent debts.

The law enforcement documented several facts of racketeering and extorting money from a local businessman. The offenders threatened to kill him in case he refused to pay.

The SSU detained the organizer and two members of the group during handover of money from the victim.

The detainees have been notified of suspicion of committing extortion. Preventive measure is to be chosen.

The operation was carried out by the SSU Kirovohrad Office jointly with the State Bureau of Investigations, under the supervision of Kropyvnytskyi Specialized Prosecutor’s Office in the Military and Defence Spheres of the Southern Region.