A criminal group was exposed in the frontline zone of Donetsk Oblast, which for a long time terrorized local residents and tried to kidnap a businessman for ransom. Information about the operation of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) was published by the press service of the agency.
SBU operatives discovered that members of the criminal group were organizing robberies and taxing local businessmen with “tribute.” Their actions contributed to further destabilizing the situation in the region, which was already tense due to military operations.
The criminals did not stop there. Their plan included kidnapping the owner of a private medical institution. The goal was quite specific – to receive a ransom of $500,000. According to preliminary data, the members of the group had already prepared a “grave” outside the city, where they planned to take the victim.
The gang members prepared in detail for the kidnapping. They monitored the victim for a long time and carefully, studied his daily routine, travel routes and circle of loved ones. This allowed them to prepare as much as possible for the criminal attack and ensure a high probability of success.
The perpetrators were detained during an attempted kidnapping of the victim near his home. During the search, a significant number of dangerous items were seized from them, including grenades, weapons, as well as tools that could have been used in the crime, such as shovels, tape, and gloves. Evidence of criminal actions was found in the detainees' mobile phones.
The detained members of the group are currently in custody. They face up to 15 years in prison with confiscation of property. Justice will be restored, and the actions of the criminals will receive a proper legal assessment.
