The security service neutralized a criminal group that was terrorizing and trying to keep entrepreneurs in the Dnepropetrovsk region at bay.
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The attackers demanded money from representatives of small and medium-sized businesses for “unimpeded” economic activity in the front-line region.
The weekly amount of “tribute” depended on the scope of business, its scale and profitability.
If the racketeers refused to pay, they began to threaten physical violence and “slow” death. If this did not work, they kidnapped the victims, took them to a deserted area and beat them.
They also threatened to “confiscate” the private property of the victims and do away with their families.
It is documented that the defendants extorted almost one million in hryvnia equivalent from a local businessman.
The attackers took the man to the outskirts of the regional center, and then kept him in a car and threatened him with physical harm if he “didn’t pay up.”
SBU officers detained the racketeers after receiving the first part of a non-existent debt in the amount of 100 thousand UAH.
The gang leader tried to hide from law enforcement officers after the arrest of his accomplices, but he failed. The SBU located him and detained him.
According to the investigation, the group members were within the sphere of influence of a well-known crime boss and positioned themselves as the “power wing” in his criminal hierarchy.
During the searches, mobile phones and rough notes containing evidence of illegal activities were confiscated. Money allegedly obtained by criminal means was also found.
Currently, the organizer of the gang and two of its active members have been reported as suspected under Part 4 of Art. 189 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (extortion committed by an organized group under martial law).
They are in custody. The perpetrators face up to 12 years in prison.
Source: Racurs
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.