Large-scale schemes for the sale of captured weapons have been uncovered in several regions of Ukraine
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the State Bureau of Investigation (DBR), and the National Police have dismantled four channels for the illegal sale of captured weapons, ammunition, and explosives in Ukraine. This was reported by law enforcement agencies.
According to the investigation, the special operation led to the arrest of 11 organizers of illegal transactions in various regions of the country, including a former chemistry student, an IT specialist, and a military servicemember.
As part of the investigation, law enforcement officers seized a significant arsenal. Specifically, this included over 45 kg of explosives, 15 Kalashnikov assault rifles, 2 grenade launchers, RGD-5 and F-1 grenades, as well as approximately 10,000 rounds of ammunition of various calibers. Authorities emphasize that the seized items posed a serious threat to security.
A separate incident was recorded in the Kyiv region, where two law enforcement officers from the Chernihiv region were detained. According to the investigation, they attempted to sell an AK-74 assault rifle, ammunition, and nearly 4,000 rounds of ammunition, which had previously been stored as evidence in a criminal case.
In Kharkiv, an underground laboratory for the production of explosives was uncovered. It was set up by a local resident together with his wife, a chemist. Three other accomplices were involved in the scheme, including an IT specialist who sold the products via the dark web. They manufactured the explosives in a rented space in the city center.
In the Dnipropetrovsk region, three people were detained while attempting to sell an AKM assault rifle and several hundred rounds of ammunition; they had previously buried the weapon to conceal its storage.
In the Donetsk region, a contract soldier was caught attempting to sell weapons and ammunition taken from the combat zone. He was detained in Kramatorsk.
All suspects have been notified of charges under articles providing for liability for the illegal handling of weapons and explosives, as well as the illegal manufacture of explosives as part of a group. The maximum penalty is up to 10 years in prison.
Law enforcement officials note that the operations were conducted under the procedural supervision of prosecutors’ offices in several regions of Ukraine.
This was reported by the SBU press service.
Earlier, State Bureau of Investigation (DBR) officers successfully uncovered and dismantled a large-scale network for the illegal sale of firearms and ammunition in Kropyvnytskyi, which was organized by an active law enforcement officer together with a relative.
In Kyiv, the State Bureau of Investigation (DBR) uncovered a scheme involving fictitious research personnel.
The DBR also uncovered a large-scale desertion scheme in four regions.
