As a result of joint efforts of the SSU, the National Police, the Interpol and the law enforcement agencies of the Czech Republic, a leader of a racketeering gang from Zakarpattia region has been detained in Prague.

According to the investigation, the members of the criminal group extorted money from local residents under false pretenses and threatened them with violence in case they refuse to pay.

In 2021, the head of the group extorted USD 110,000 of a non-existent debt from a Zakarpattia entrepreneur.

Then, the law enforcement detained the main suspect and notified him of suspicion.

However, on the eve of the court hearing, he fled abroad under the pretext of a ‘sudden illness’ and was hiding for a long time.

Based on the SSU’s investigation, the individual was put on the international wanted list.

Now, the racketeer has been apprehended the capital of the Czech Republic.

It is planned to extradite him to Ukraine, where he will stand trial for extortion, committed upon prior conspiracy, by a group, with the threat of murder or grievous bodily harm (Article 189.2 of the CCU).

The suspect faces up to 7 years in prison.

The investigation was carried out under the procedural supervision of Zakarpattia Region Prosecutor’s Office.