SBU dismantles large arms trafficking ring in Kyiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions

The suspects were exposed in Kyiv Oblast and Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, according to the Security Service of Ukraine(SBU). Law enforcement officers detained the alleged organizer, two accomplices and three criminal intermediaries who were attempting to sell the weapons.

Authorities seized a large cache of arms from the suspects, including 75 small arms, among them Kalashnikov assault rifles; 38 combat grenades; more than 20 detonators; two grenade launchers; and about 13,000 rounds of ammunition.

Investigators said the group initially smuggled weapons out of frontline areas and stored them in hidden caches. The suspects then set up clandestine workshops in their homes to restore damaged weapons, ordering replacement components through specialized online platforms.

After refurbishing the arms and restoring their combat capabilities, the group sought buyers. According to the SBU, the intended customers were members of local criminal networks who could have used the weapons to carry out violent crimes.

The SBU and the National Police of Ukraine disrupted the operation at the preparation stage and detained all suspects during an attempted handover of military-grade weapons.

Searches of the underground workshops and residences also uncovered large sums of cash and additional ammunition of various calibers.

The detainees were charged under Article 263 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code, which covers the illegal handling of weapons, ammunition or explosives committed by an organized group. They are being held in custody and face up to seven years in prison.