Criminal Group Engaged in Extortion Arrested
Five individuals have been charged with criminal activity and are currently in custody. Each could face up to 12 years in prison with asset forfeiture.
The criminal group was uncovered by the SBU in the Odessa region in collaboration with police investigators under the supervision of the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office.
Reports indicate that a 26-year-old resident of Odessa, who has multiple convictions for theft, led a gang that engaged in extorting money from citizens. He recruited four men aged 22 to 33 into his operations, two of whom also have criminal histories involving property crimes and drugs.
The leader sought out victims and monitored the extortion process through communications. The executors would surround individuals in public and threaten them, forcing them to pay imaginary debts. If the victims were unable to pay, they pursued them until they obtained what they wanted.
Police documented instances of extortion against three local residents. One was ordered to pay 600 dollars, of which the gang managed to collect 300. Another lost 8000 hryvnias and was required to make weekly payments. A third was presented with a “debt” of 10,000 dollars, from which they immediately took 500 dollars and 8000 hryvnias.
The criminals were apprehended while receiving a second installment of 7000 dollars from the last victim.
During authorized searches at residences and in the detention center, investigators seized mobile phones containing evidence of their criminal activities and SIM cards that were frequently changed for cover. Also seized were illegally obtained funds during the latest operation.
The offenders were detained, and sufficient evidence was gathered for them to be charged with extortion and other crimes committed by an organized group during martial law.
The maximum penalty they face under the law is up to 12 years of imprisonment with asset forfeiture.
At the request of the investigators, the court has ordered preventive measures for four of the detainees, including custody without the right to bail. The investigation is ongoing.
