In Ivano-Frankivsk region, the SSU dismantled an organized criminal group that terrorized and intimidated people. In a large-scale special operation, the Service detained leaders and members of the gang.

According to the investigation, the criminals abducted people and forced the victims to pay money. In case they refused, the offenders threatened to kill them.

The SSU established the fact of kidnapping of a local owner of computer repair business. The perpetrators tortured and robbed the man.

Threatening to kill the victim’s family, the gang extorted USD 40,000 from another local as payment of a non-existent debt.

In another episode, the mobsters used psychological pressure and threats of violence to extort UAH 1 mln (USD 37,000) from a local woman.   

The group consisted of 8 members including a former police officer who left law enforcement in 2015.

The perpetrators have been notified of suspicion of kidnapping, burglary, robbery and extortion.

The court has chosen detention as a measure of restraint. The investigators are verifying the group’s involvement in other serious crimes.

The SSU Office in Ivano-Frankivsk region carried out the operation together with the National Police investigators under the supervision of Ivano-Frankivsk Regional Prosecutor’s Office.