Clandestine weapons arsenal discovered at military unit in Kyiv region as commander exposed in payment scheme – SBI. VIDEO&PHOTOS
The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), with operational support from the Security Service of Ukraine, discovered a large arsenal of weapons, ammunition, and explosives while investigating abuses by the commander of a military unit stationed in the Kyiv region as part of the "Justice for Soldiers" special operation.
This was reported by Censor.NET, citing the SBI press service.
During 14 searches at the military unit and the suspects’ residences, investigators seized machine guns, assault rifles, grenade launchers, pistols, anti-tank rounds, grenades, explosives, detonators, and a significant quantity of ammunition of various calibres. Some of the weapons had their serial numbers removed, while the arsenal was not registered in the military unit’s records.
What was seized?
As noted, the seized items included:
- RPK, DShK, and KPVT machine guns;
- AK-74 and AKM assault rifles and an M4 assault rifle;
- RPG-7V, RPG-22, and M72 grenade launchers;
- Makarov pistols, including one fitted with a suppressor;
- anti-tank rounds, grenades, and improvised explosive devices;
- TNT, plastic explosives, and detonators;
- dozens of boxes, sacks, and metal ammunition cans containing rounds of various calibres.
The origin of the weapons and the purpose for which they were stored are being established. Investigators are also examining possible cases of their illegal sale.
SBI officers uncovered the arsenal while investigating a scheme involving fictitious military service at the unit.
What has already been established?
According to the investigation, the commander arranged for at least seven subordinates to evade their military duties. They did not perform military service but continued to receive military pay. According to preliminary information, the service members returned part of these funds to the commander.
Losses resulting from the unjustified payments have already exceeded UAH 2.5 million.
During the searches, investigators also seized $28,900, bank cards, mobile phones, and documents confirming the operation of the scheme.
Detentions and notices of suspicion
The military unit commander was detained and served a notice of suspicion of abuse of office and organizing the evasion of military duties by service members under martial law (Part 2 of Article 364, Part 3 of Article 27, and Part 4 of Article 409 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).
Five service members were also detained. They were served notices of suspicion of evading military duties through deception under martial law (Part 4 of Article 409 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).
The court ordered the five service members to be held in custody with the option of posting bail.
The suspects face up to 10 years in prison.
Investigators are separately examining possible instances of the commander receiving undue benefits, laundering the proceeds, committing fraud, and illegally storing and selling weapons and ammunition.
Following the necessary examinations and procedural formalities, the unclaimed weapons and ammunition are expected to be transferred to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The pre-trial investigation is ongoing.
