The Security Service of Ukraine and the National Police have prevented new attempts at illegal arms trafficking in Ukraine.
As a result of comprehensive operations in the Kyiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions, a criminal group preparing a large batch of “trophy” weapons for underground sale was neutralized.
Law enforcement officers arrested the group’s organizer, two accomplices, and three criminals who were attempting to sell the weapons.
Among the items seized were 75 firearms, including Kalashnikov rifles, 38 live grenades, more than 20 detonators, 2 grenade launchers, and 13,000 rounds of ammunition.
According to case materials, the group members initially covertly removed the “goods” from frontline areas and stored them in hidden caches.
To restore damaged weapons, the suspects set up clandestine workshops in their homes, and ordered new components through specialized online platforms.
After restoring the weapons’ combat capabilities, the criminals sought clients—local criminal circles intending to use the arms for illegal activities.
The SSU and National Police uncovered the group during the preparation stage. While monitoring the crime, law enforcement arrested all members “in the act” during the transfer of live weapons.
Searches of the workshops and residences additionally yielded 13,000 rounds of various calibers and large sums of cash.
The suspects have been charged under Part 2 of Article 28 and Part 1 of Article 263 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (illegal handling of weapons, ammunition, or explosives committed by a group of persons by prior conspiracy).
Further charges are under consideration.
The suspects are in custody and face up to 7 years in prison.
