Detention of racketeers in Zhytomyr region.Photo: SSU press service.
The SSU jointly with the National Police neutralised a criminal group that tried to “impose a tribute” on residents of Zhytomyr region. One of the victims was a seriously wounded Armed Forces soldier and his wife, whom the criminals tried to force to pay a huge sum of money under the threat of violence. This was reported by Time Ukraine Israel, citing the SSU press service.
A threat to a wounded soldier
After the soldier received monetary compensation for shrapnel wounds at the frontline, the criminals learned about it and decided to take advantage of his vulnerability. They demanded USD 3,000 from the couple, and planned to receive almost UAH 1.5 million from them to replenish the so-called “thieves’ cash”. To achieve their goal, the criminals did not stop at the use of violence. Using the serious condition of the soldier, they threatened him with a knife to force the couple to comply with their demands.
Detention operation
Thanks to the prompt work of law enforcement, all three members of the criminal group were detained during a regular visit to the military’s home. The operation was conducted with the support of the Zhytomyr Region Prosecutor’s Office, which underscores the seriousness of measures against organised crime in times of war.
Detainees: repeat offenders and their accomplices
As it turned out, the gang leader was a repeat offender who had already served a sentence for kidnapping, robbery and extortion. He involved two accomplices in the crime, including a local resident involved in pimping. During the searches, the police seized cold steel weapons, mobile phones with evidence of their illegal actions, as well as cash and household appliances that they had taken from the victims.
Law enforcement continues to fight organised crime
The detainees have already been served a notice of suspicion under Part 4 of Article 189 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine – extortion with threats of violence, committed repeatedly, by prior conspiracy by a group of persons under martial law. All three are in custody and face up to 12 years in prison with confiscation of property.
This detention is part of the large-scale fight against organised crime in the context of war, which is being actively pursued by the law enforcement agencies of Ukraine. The SSU and the National Police continue to quickly neutralise threats to citizens, striving to ensure security and justice even in difficult wartime conditions.
