The Security Service, together with the National Police, neutralized a criminal group engaged in underground arms trafficking in various regions of Ukraine. As a result of the operation in Kyiv and Lviv, two organizers of the gang were caught in the act. The criminals attempted to sell a batch of Russian-made sniper rifles to the criminal underworld.
Five other suspects were detained in the Sumy, Odessa, Mykolaiv, and Kharkiv regions.
Among the items seized from the criminals were 59 hand grenades, over a dozen Kalashnikov rifles, anti-personnel mines, and machine guns.
According to the investigation, the suspects sought potential clients through their own connections in the criminal environment. They also regularly monitored specialized internet platforms for the sale of various weapons, where they posted their "offers." After receiving an "order," the criminals packaged it in boxes from household appliances and sent them by mail to the "recipient." In this way, they attempted to disguise their "goods." However, they were unsuccessful as the Security Service had already documented every step of the group's criminal activities. According to available information, the suspects obtained weapons and ammunition primarily from former conflict areas near the front line for resale.
The acquired weapons were then stored in specially equipped caches on the territory of their own homes and local garage cooperatives.
During the searches, the following additional items were seized:
28 combat pistols, including Makarov and TT systems; over 10 Dragunov sniper rifles; 3 machine pistols; almost 3,500 rounds of various calibers.
Currently, two organizers of the group have been informed of suspicion under Articles 28 and 263 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (illegal handling of weapons, ammunition, or explosives committed by a group of persons by prior conspiracy). They are currently in custody. The investigation is ongoing to hold all members of the gang accountable. They face up to 7 years in prison.
