The Security Service, State Bureau of Investigation, and National Police have successfully thwarted new attempts to establish illegal sales of «trophy» weapons and ammunition in Ukraine.
Following comprehensive operations, nine individuals engaged in the trade of weapons illegally transported from frontline areas and conflict zones were arrested.
Among the seized items were Russian grenade launchers, Kalashnikov rifles, and large-caliber ammunition for firearms.
In Dnipropetrovsk region, four individuals were apprehended while attempting to secretly sell an arsenal of automatic weapons and grenades.
In Odesa region, another four arms dealers were uncovered, including a 33-year-old criminal already in custody for drug trafficking. According to case materials, this individual recruited an accomplice «on the outside» to sell «trophy» grenade launchers in the city. Also apprehended was a 23-year-old recidivist from Podilsk district of Odesa region, who previously committed thefts and was now trying to dispose of 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 region.
In Zhytomyr region, SBU and SBI officers detained a 42-year-old contractor from a military unit, who offered to facilitate the removal of an arsenal of ammunition from the unit for money.
All suspects have been notified of suspicion under Part 1 of Article 263 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (illegal handling of weapons, ammunition, or explosives).
The defendants are currently in custody, facing up to 7 years in prison.
These comprehensive operations were conducted by SBU employees in Dnipropetrovsk, Odesa, and Zhytomyr regions in cooperation with the National Police and State Bureau of Investigation under the procedural guidance of the Dnipro District and Odesa Regional Prosecutor's Offices, as well as the Zhytomyr Specialized Prosecutor's Office in the defense sphere of the Central region.