Ukrainian authorities have dismantled a group involved in the illegal sale of modified firearms over the internet. The operation included civilians and a law enforcement officer, specifically a junior inspector from a correctional facility in the Vinnytsia region.
According to the investigation, the 73-year-old leader of the group orchestrated this illicit business by sourcing old firearms, ammunition, and potential buyers. The group reportedly purchased pneumatic weapons, modified them for combat use, and then advertised them on specialized online platforms.
Packages containing these weapons were shipped across Ukraine, including to the city of Rivne. Law enforcement officials conducted several undercover purchases, acquiring revolvers, pistols, and ammunition, which resulted in the documentation of five instances of criminal activity.
The State Bureau of Investigation (DBR) confirmed that all firearms were deemed operational following expert evaluations. Subsequent searches of the suspects’ premises led to the seizure of 19 firearms, ammunition, mobile phones, cash, computer equipment, USB drives, 19 bank cards, and various handwritten notes.
All three individuals involved have been charged with illegal possession and distribution of firearms as part of a criminal conspiracy, under Article 263 of the Ukrainian Criminal Code. A court has placed them under round-the-clock house arrest while investigations continue to identify additional accomplices in these crimes.
Ukrainian law enforcement has arrested a group involved in the illegal sale of modified firearms, including a law enforcement officer. The investigation led to multiple seizures and ongoing inquiries into further criminal connections.