During a special operation in Mykolaiv, the SBU detained leaders of a group which terrorized citizens and through death threats extorted money for regional criminals. SBU officers documented extortion of USD 37,000.

The group’s organizers provided criminals, including crime lords and prisoners, with illegally gained money.  

According to SBU findings, the offenders were also involved in illicit transfer of means of communication to prisoners to influence participants in criminal proceedings.

The investigation revealed that the group was organized by two residents of the regional center, previously prosecuted for murder. The offenders extorted money from local entrepreneurs for settlement of non-existent debts. In case of refusal, they threatened victims with violence.

Officers of the SBU Special Operations Center "A" detained both leaders of the group under Art. 208 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine. The detainees were seized of two combat pistols.

The investigation of extortion is ongoing to prosecute all involved individuals. The SBU checks information on involvement of detainees in other serious crimes.

The operation was conducted jointly with the Strategic Investigations Department of the National police under the supervision of the Mykolaiv Region Prosecutor's Office.