In Odessa, two local residents and a native of the Donetsk region, posing as TCC employees and police officers, organized so-called patrols on the streets of the city.
Detention of a gang of extortionists in Odessa
For one such “patrol”, the members of the criminal group earned from 40 thousand UAH.
The criminals put on military and police uniforms and stopped men of draft age on the streets under the pretext of checking documents.
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In case of refusal, they threatened with forced delivery to the TCC and demanded money to resolve this issue. In one case, the victim gave them more than $3,000.
Among the members of the criminal group was a former police officer who, after his service, was accused in several cases.
Two others also had problems with the law for involving minors in criminal activity, armed robbery committed by a group of people, and theft.
The perpetrators were caught red-handed — during extortion and receipt of 4 thousand UAH and $3 thousand from another victim.
During the searches, elements of uniform, money, bank cards and mobile phones were seized from them.
In addition, weapons and a powdery substance similar to a narcotic substance were found on them. All this was sent for examination.
Currently, all members of the criminal group are in a pre-trial detention center, the issue of choosing a preventive measure for the suspects in the form of detention is being decided.
They have been declared suspects under Part 4 of Art. 189 of the Criminal Code (extortion), which carries a penalty of up to 12 years in prison.
The investigation is ongoing, the police are checking the involvement of the defendants in other crimes, so during the investigation their actions may be given additional legal qualifications.
