The special service detained three active members of the

gang

, including an active employee of one of the regional law enforcement agencies.

As reported in the SBU press service, the activities of the entire gang were coordinated by one of the influential representatives of the criminal world - a "thief in law" nicknamed "Antimos".

Due to inclusion in the NSDC sanctions list, he was banned from entering Ukraine, so he managed criminal activities from the territory of one of the countries of the Middle East, where he recently died.

"The perpetrators terrorized the residents of southern Ukraine and 'extorted' money from local businessmen. If they refused to pay 'tribute', they used psychological pressure, violence and threats of physical violence against them," the special service said.

According to operative data, members of the gang are involved in kidnapping and torturing people in order to receive a "ransom" for their release.

Such illegally obtained money was used to fill the "thieves' coffers" and to support convicted accomplices in prisons.

In addition, the leaders of the group tried to spread their criminal influence on the territory of the Black Sea region.

To do this, they intimidated people and committed robbery attacks on them with particular cruelty.

According to the investigation, the gang included several residents of Odesa, in particular "criminals", who were previously prosecuted for committing serious crimes.

It was established that the perpetrators tried to "extort" 200,000 dollars.

from an Odessa businessman.

During the operational combination, SBU employees with the involvement of soldiers of the special unit of the Central Security Service "A" prevented a robbery, documented the crimes of the group and detained three active participants.

During searches of the perpetrators' residences, law enforcement officers found: a rocket-propelled anti-tank grenade, a Makarov pistol, an F-1 combat grenade, cartridges for small arms of various calibers.

All this was sent for examination.

So far, the detainees have been notified of the suspicion under Part 4 of Art.

187 (robbery) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine and took them into custody without bail.

For what they have committed, they face up to 15 years in prison.

Currently, the law enforcement officers are trying to bring all the guilty parties to justice.

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