The Security Service of Ukraine, in collaboration with the State Bureau of Investigations and the National Police, successfully thwarted attempts to establish an illegal arms trade in Ukraine.
As a result of comprehensive measures, nine individuals were arrested for trading in weapons that had been illegally transported from frontline areas.
Among the seized items were Russian grenade launchers, Kalashnikov rifles, and large-caliber ammunition.
In Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, four individuals were detained attempting to sell an arsenal of automatic weapons and grenades.
In Odesa Oblast, four more arms dealers were uncovered, including a 33-year-old criminal currently in custody for drug trafficking, who enlisted an accomplice to sell “trophy” grenade launchers. A 23-year-old repeat offender from the Podilsk district of Odesa, previously convicted of theft, was also caught trying to sell a batch of Russian grenades.
Additionally, a 46-year-old native of Volyn was arrested for attempting to sell an automatic rifle, grenades, and ammunition brought from Kherson.
In Zhytomyr Oblast, SBU and DBR agents detained a 42-year-old contractor from a military unit who offered to transport an arsenal of ammunition for money.
All suspects have been charged under Part 1 of Article 263 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (illegal handling of weapons, military supplies, or explosives).
The criminals are currently in custody and face up to 7 years in prison.
These operations were carried out by SBU employees in Dnipropetrovsk, Odesa, and Zhytomyr Oblasts in cooperation with the National Police and the State Bureau of Investigations.