In the Odesa region, law enforcement uncovered a criminal gang engaged in extorting money from local residents. Five individuals have been charged and are currently in custody, facing up to 12 years in prison with asset confiscation.
The operation was conducted by the SBU in collaboration with the police under the supervision of the prosecutor's office. The leader of the gang was identified as a 26-year-old man with a criminal record, who recruited accomplices for illegal activities.
The criminals would surround their victims on the streets, threatening them with violence, and demand payment for fictitious debts. One victim was forced to hand over $600, while another lost 8000 hryvnias.
Law enforcement documented instances of extortion and apprehended the perpetrators while they were receiving another installment of money. Searches revealed mobile phones and cash obtained through illegal means.
After gathering sufficient evidence, police announced charges of extortion and other offenses. Four of the detainees have been placed under preventive detention without the possibility of bail. The investigation is ongoing.
