A court in Odessa has issued a verdict against five members of an organized crime group involved in kidnapping and extorting 1 million dollars.

According to the prosecutor's office, in March 2021, the criminals abducted the son of entrepreneurs in Odessa. The victim was held captive, with demands for 1 million dollars from his family for his release.

Later, the kidnapped individual was transported to Kyiv, where law enforcement apprehended the gang and freed the hostage.

Three defendants received 10 years in prison, while the other two got 8 years with asset confiscation. They were convicted for illegal deprivation of liberty, kidnapping, and extortion (Part 3 of Article 27, Part 3 of Article 28, Part 3 of Article 146, Part 4 of Article 189 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

All members of the criminal group were held in custody until the verdict was rendered.