A gang of extortionists has been arrested in Cherkasy over a fictitious debt of 250 thousand dollars
In Cherkasy, police officers have uncovered a criminal gang whose members are suspected of extorting money from a local family under the pretext of a fictitious debt.
According to the investigation, the suspects initially demanded $50,000, allegedly for food, cigarettes and other items for the man whilst he was in a remand centre. Fearing for their own safety and that of their loved ones, the victims handed over the money.
The gang members then demanded that the family hand over a further $200,000, giving them three days to raise the funds.
The investigation established that the suspects used threats, surveillance and intimidation to put pressure on the victims. In particular, they lay in wait for a woman as she was taking her young daughter to school and threatened her with physical harm if she contacted the police.
The perpetrators also damaged the family’s car with stones and left a bottle containing a flammable mixture on it. In March this year, one of the group’s members, his face concealed by a mask, attacked a married couple in broad daylight and caused them bodily harm.
Law enforcement officers note that all these actions were aimed at forcing the victims to pay a non-existent debt.
As a result of a special operation, the police detained the group’s members. More than 20 simultaneous searches were carried out at the suspects’ homes and in their vehicles.
Seven members of the group have been notified that they are suspected of an offence under Part 4 of Article 189 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, relating to extortion committed by a group of persons under martial law, involving threats of violence and destruction of property.
Five suspects have been detained, whilst two others have been charged in absentia.
The offence carries a penalty of up to 12 years’ imprisonment with confiscation of property.
