The Security Service of Ukraine and the National Police have detained nine more individuals who attempted to establish an illegal trade of "trophy" weapons in various regions of Ukraine.
Among the items seized from the criminals were components for combat drones, anti-tank grenade launchers, Kalashnikov rifles, and explosives.
According to the investigation, the suspects were smuggling weapons and ammunition from front-line areas in the south and east of Ukraine.
In one case, the military counterintelligence service of the SSU thwarted an attempt to sell components for drones, including optical targeting sights for strike UAVs, in the Kharkiv region.
A local military unit commander, who was caught "red-handed," was involved in organizing the crime.
In Mykolaiv region, two residents of the liberated Snihurivka were caught attempting to sell Russian-made grenade launchers "Dzhmil" and "Ahlien."
In Kirovohrad region, two deserter contract soldiers were detained for trading "trophy" rifles and grenades.
In Cherkasy region, another suspect was detained. He was a local resident with a criminal record for spreading Russian propaganda, who later decided to use his criminal connections for weapons trafficking.
In Zakarpattia region, three more criminals were detained, acting separately in different parts of the region. Two of them had previously faced criminal charges for drug trafficking and theft.
They were caught attempting to sell over 8 kg of TNT with detonators and an arsenal of combat grenades.
Based on the SSU materials, the suspects have been informed of charges under Part 1 of Article 263 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (illegal handling of weapons, military ammunition, or explosives).
The suspects are currently in custody and face up to 7 years in prison.
