The SSU is counteracting to particularly dangerous, often transnational, organized criminal groups that pose a threat to Ukraine’s state security. In 2021, the SSU dismantled over 100 groups, including 9 criminal organizations, one armed gang and 104 organized groups. Part of them were coordinated by ‘thieves in law’ from Russia.

In the course of these operations, the law enforcement seized arsenals of firearms and grenades, over 90 kg of explosives and tens of thousands of rounds of ammunition.

The amount of drugs and psychotropic substances seized from these groups last year is nearly 1.5 tons.

Dismantling of criminal groups has prevented a large-scale aggravation of the crime-related situation and internal destabilization in Ukraine.

The SSU established that the gangs terrorized and intimidated people, carried out robberies and forced businesses to pay ‘tribute’.

The investigators also documented facts of kidnapping and extortion. In case victims refused to pay, perpetrators used torture and death threats against them.

To spread their influence, organizers of groups, including ‘thieves in law’ from Russia, set up cells across Ukraine.

Sumy region:

The SSU dismantled a powerful 40-strong criminal group coordinated by ‘thieves in law’ of the so-called Sukhumi and Kutaisi clan, including from the territory of Russia. The criminals extorted money from small and medium businesses and terrorized residents of the region.

Donetsk region:

As a result of a multi-stage special operation, the law enforcement dismantled a transnational criminal group in Mariupol. Its participants abducted people and forced them to engage in drug trafficking. The gangsters used violence and threatened the victims with death.

Lviv region:

The SSU detained a foreign national, the so-called ‘thief in law’, who is under the NSDC sanctions. The investigation established that the criminal came to Ukraine illegally to set up and coordinate criminal groups. To do this, the criminal planned to set up an illicit organization with an extensive network of cells in the Western part of Ukraine.

Kharkiv:

The SSU dismantled a criminal group that included law enforcement officers, officials of a Kharkiv public utility company, as well as members with combat experience. The gang extorted money from local entrepreneurs, in particular, businesses providing funeral services. If the victims refused to pay, the criminals used psychological pressure, violence and death threats. The group’s monthly proceeds reached UAH 1 mln (USD 35,000).

Ensuring security of the state, the SSU is responding to the threats to government.

Following investigations conducted by the SSU, the court sentenced over 100 officials involved in schemes of large-scale embezzlement of budget funds and extorting bribes.

Within ongoing investigations, over 500 officials have been notified of suspicion of committing criminal offences.

The SSU is acting upon the uncovered facts of unlawful activity and taking steps to bring to justice those involved in crimes against Ukraine’s state security.