The police caught a group of criminals, that were stealing cars in Uzhgorod

A group of young residents of Uzhgorod and Mukachevo district were stealing cars in Uzhgorod and then selling them for parts. The 22-year-old leader of the criminal group already spent 5 years in prison for car thefts.

At the end of last year, two carjackings were committed in Uzhgorod. From yet another car, offenders stole a battery and a stereo. And this year, another car was stolen in the city. Although they were stealing "Zhigulis", rather then prestige cars, the case became quite notorious. It became clear that it was an organized group of criminals.

Soon, the police detained 5 young residents of Uzhgorod and Mukachevo districts. The most active members of this group were three youths aged 22-23. The 22-year-old gang leader, despite the young age, already had served 5 years in prison for car thefts. After being released, he assembled a criminal group to commit new car thefts.

This gang would steal cars in the city of Uzhgorod.  They would drive stolen cars to Uzhgorod district, where they would dismantle and sell them for parts. The bodies were sold for scrap.

The police initiated criminal proceeding over this incident under Art.289 Part 2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (illegal appropriation of a vehicle by a group of people). The sanction of the article provides for imprisonment for a term of 5 to 10 years.

Currently, the police are collecting evidence of involvement of the detainees in 4 car thefts and 5 car burglaries. The actual number of crimes will be established by the investigation.

Pre-trial restraint is to be imposed on the young offenders. The preliminary inquiry is ongoing.