Law enforcement officers in the Kharkiv region have exposed and detained three Ukrainian servicemen who organized a large-scale illegal arms trafficking scheme. The suspects were caught red-handed while attempting to sell over a ton of explosives, anti-tank weapons, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition for a total of more than 2 million UAH.
According to official reports, the operation was neutralized during the suspects’ latest illicit transaction.
According to the investigation, the three suspects established a shadow network for the unauthorized sale of military hardware and ammunition. Law enforcement units apprehended the servicemen directly during an ongoing transaction within the Kharkiv region.
During the subsequent search and seizure operations, authorities confiscated a massive arsenal of weapons and hazardous materials:
Nearly 1.2 tons of explosive substances;
4 units of anti-tank weaponry;
More than 700 rounds of various ammunition.
Official Statement: «Three servicemen have been notified of suspicion of illegal handling of weapons, ammunition, and explosive substances committed by a group of persons upon prior conspiracy.»
The individuals involved in the criminal case have been officially notified of suspicion. Their actions have been classified under Part 2 of Article 28 and Part 1 of Article 263 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (illegal weapons handling and ammunition trafficking committed by a group of persons by prior agreement).
Illegal arms trafficking during martial law carries a potential prison sentence of three to seven years. Investigative procedures are ongoing to determine the source of the seized military arsenal and to identify any potential accomplices involved in the network.