SBU busts four more illicit dealers in 'trophy' weapons scheme

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and National Police have disrupted new attempts to establish illegal sales of "trophy" weapons and ammunition across several Ukrainian regions, with those detained including an active serviceman on authorized leave and a deserter.

The SBU announced Monday that four individuals were detained attempting to sell weapons illegally removed from frontline and combat zones.

"Seized from the suspects were a Russian Kalashnikov assault rifle, an anti-tank grenade launcher, nearly 30 F-1, RGD-5 and RGD-1 fragmentation and smoke grenades, and 6,000 rounds of various calibers," the service said.

In Zaporizhia region, a serviceman on authorized leave was caught in the act attempting to sell 15 hand grenades and an AK-74 assault rifle with ammunition, removed from active combat zones.

Also in the region, a repeat offender — already convicted of theft and on probation — was served with a notice of suspicion after attempting to sell an anti-tank rocket-launcher purchased on the darknet, along with four RGD grenade casings with fuses.

In Dnipropetrovsk region, a 34-year-old deserter was detained after stockpiling an arsenal of combat grenades and mixed-caliber ammunition under his bed at home. According to case materials, he had obtained the weapons during service on the Kherson axis and planned to profit from their sale after fleeing his unit.

A separate Dnipropetrovsk case involved a 26-year-old dealer offering 90 artillery mines, a grenade, and 5,918 rounds of various calibers for sale online. The suspect had planned to disassemble the munitions and ship them to buyers by post.

All four have been served notices of suspicion under Part 1, Article 263 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (illegal handling of weapons, ammunition, or explosives).

The operations were conducted by SBU officers under prosecutorial supervision.