The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the National Police have thwarted several attempts to illegally sell weapons and ammunition in different Regions of Ukraine, according to the SBU press service.
In a series of operations in Zhytomyr, Cherkasy, and Kirovohrad Regions, five individuals were caught red-handed attempting to establish an underground arms trade.
In Zhytomyr Region, two local residents were detained for selling “trophy” munitions smuggled from combat zones in Donetsk Region. Among them was a 41-year-old repeat offender, who had received a suspended sentence in 2022 for illegally selling firearms but continued his activities. Using criminal connections, the group sought clients among former prisoners.
Authorities discovered a cache in a garage where they seized:
- Over 1 kg of explosives with fuses,
- RGD-5 and F-1 combat grenades,
- More than 500 rounds of various calibres.
In Cherkasy Region, a 30-year-old deserter was detained for stealing weapons and ammunition from his military unit, including five combat grenades, a Kalashnikov rifle with ammunition, and two silencers. He had hidden the items at his parents’ house while searching for buyers.
In Kropyvnytskyy, two more deserters were caught attempting to sell five anti-tank grenade launchers and 11 F-1 grenades. During searches, authorities also seized two combat pistols, a machine gun, an anti-personnel mine, and explosives.
The suspects were served notices of suspicion under Part 1 Article 263 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which addresses illegal handling of weapons, ammunition, or explosives.
If convicted, they face up to 7 years in prison.