The Security Service and the National Police have exposed another four organisers of illicit trade in ‘trophy’ weapons in several regions of Ukraine. The items seized from the suspects include russian AK-12 assault rifles with silencers, grenade launchers, sniper rifles, and almost 2 kg of explosives.

In Kyiv, a 57-year-old repeat offender has been detained. He had previously served a sentence for murder and, after serving his term, began to engage in the clandestine arms trade.

He involved his 65-year-old acquaintance in this activity. Together, they set up a channel to smuggle ‘trophy’ weapons from the frontline areas of eastern Ukraine to the capital.

The dealers then stored the weapons in the basement of a private house, intending to sell them. During a search, 56 small arms, 5,500 rounds of ammunition, and even a 30-mm automatic grenade launcher were seized from them.

Another suspect was detained in Solomyanskyi district of the capital. He stored 15 Kalashnikov assault rifles for sale in a rented apartment and his car.

In Dnipropetrovsk region, a 54-year-old auto mechanic from Kamyanske district was detained for setting up a cache in his yard to store plastic explosives and TNT with detonators, as well as boxes of ammunition.

The law enforcement apprehended the perpetrator when he was looking for customers to sell his hidden arsenal.

All the detained persons have been notified of suspicion under Article 263.1 of the CCU (illegal handling of weapons, ammunition, or explosives).

The suspects face up to 7 years in prison. All seized weapons will be handed over to the Defence Forces.

The operations were carried out under the procedural supervision of the Prosecutors’ Offices.