The SSU continues systematic fight against the organized crime, which threatens Ukraine’s state security amidst the ongoing war.

As a result of special operations in Odesa, Kharkiv and Sumy region, the SSU neutralized criminal groups that terrorized and intimidated local population.

The gangs robbed private homes and imposed ‘tribute’ on local entrepreneurs.

If people refused to pay, the criminals used psychological pressure and violence and threatened to kill victims’ relatives.

The activities of criminal groups led to an aggravation of the crime situation in the regions.

As a result of operational and investigative activities in Odesa, the SSU dismantled a group acting on behalf of a thief in law known as ‘Avto Kopala’.

The gang was managed by the so-called ‘overseer’ of the city pre-trial detention center.

While in the detention center, the criminal coordinated the activities of his accomplices at large.

The SSU detained active gang members on an attempt to extort money from a local businessman. The detainees have been notified of suspicion of committing a crime, court chose custody as a measure of restraint.

In Kharkiv:

The SSU neutralized a gang that extorted money from citizens: the criminals created artificial conflict situations and then ‘offered’ to resolve them for money.

The organized criminal group included unemployed citizens, each of them with multiple previous convictions.

The SSU detained all four members of the gang on their attempt to collect a non-existent debt.

Based on the collected evidence, the detainees were notified of suspicion of extortion committed by an organized group (Article 189.4 of the CCU).

In Sumy region:

The SSU blocked the activities of a group that extorted money from locals to replenish the gang’s ‘coffers’. Among the victims were internally displaced persons.

As a result of a special operation, the SSU detained all members of the gang as well as its organizer, who tried to flee abroad.

The detainees have been notified of suspicion under Articles 189.4, 187.4 and 263.1 of the CCU (committing serious and especially serious crimes - extortion, robbery, illegal handling of weapons - in an organized criminal group).

The special operations were carried out by the SSU Offices in Odesa, Kharkiv and Sumy regions jointly with the National Police under the procedural supervision of the Prosecutor’s Office.