In Dnipro, during a special operation, the SBU blocked activity of an interregional criminal group. Gang members intimidated and terrorized people in Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizzhia, Kharkiv and Poltava regions.

April 2020, SBU officers detained a gang leader, aka Ariets.

Allegedly, after his arrest, some gang members continued their criminal activities. The offenders took part in regular extortion of money from citizens threatening to use violence and commit an arson.

The SBU documented that the offenders extorted USD 70,000 from a local financial IT advisor. As a result, they "guaranteed" unhindered business operations. In case of refusal, the victim was threatened with physical violence.

In Dnipro, officers of the SBU Center of Special Operations "A" took part in detention of three active group’s members while transferring money. During detention under Art. 208 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine, one of the offenders tried to escape in a car, but was immediately arrested.

Terms of detention and serving of suspicion notices within the criminal proceedings of extortion are being considered.

The urgent investigation is ongoing.

The special operation was conducted jointly with investigators of the National Police Main Office in Dnipropetrovsk region under the supervision of the regional prosecutor's office.