Media reports about the detention of a “lawful thief,” who was seen celebrating with a law enforcement officer
According to official information released earlier this week, on May 10th, officials from the Security Service of Ukraine conducted a targeted operation and detained a well-known criminal authority, known in criminal circles by the nickname “Umka.” Sources close to Ukrainian intelligence agencies confirm that this individual is Serhiy Oliinyk, one of the most prominent “lawful thieves” whom Ukrainian law enforcement agencies are actively tracking and trying to neutralize. According to media reports, the detention took place in a pre-trial detention center on Askolodovyi Lane, where the suspect was brought immediately after the operation. The conduct of this special operation is the result of long-term, systematic monitoring of the activities of a criminal clan, particularly in the context of combating organized crime and their connections with state structures. What preceded this event? Early last week, on Friday, May 9th, news sources reported that, as early as March this year, a symbolic but high-profile event took place — the celebration of the birthday of Kostiantyn Kolomiets, who is mentioned in criminal circles as one of those providing security for the interests of a sanctioned businessman and the owner of Ukraine's largest betting network “Parimatch” — Serhiy Portnov. This party drew attention because of the presence of several Ukrainian law enforcement officers, including Anatoliy Loif, the head of the Main Directorate for Counteracting Threats to the State’s Economic Security. Reports indicate he was spotted in the company of several individuals, including Serhiy Oliinyk. Law enforcement agencies are particularly interested in the fact that during this celebration, a number of suspicious events and contacts were recorded, suggesting possible cooperation between criminal circles and representatives of state structures. It is known that in 2021, Serhiy Oliinyk was included in Ukraine’s sanctions list by the National Security and Defense Council due to his active involvement in organized crime and ties with “lawful thieves.” At that time, Oliinyk was also designated as a person subject to international restrictions because of his participation in transnational criminal activities. It is worth noting that following publications by “Ukrainska Pravda” about the celebration and potential links between law enforcement and the criminal environment, the relevant authorities launched an internal investigation. Preliminary reports suggest that individuals responsible for ensuring security and overseeing such events may have violated established procedural norms. Officially, the issue of possible connections between law enforcement personnel and the criminal world remains under the control of the SBU leadership. Representatives of the agency confirmed Oliinyk’s detention, emphasizing that all measures were carried out in accordance with the law and aimed at rooting out criminal elements that threaten to destabilize the country and undermine its security. It is expected that a hearing regarding the suspect’s preventive measure will take place in Ukrainian courts soon. Meanwhile, Ukrainian law enforcement agencies call on the public to remain vigilant and prevent attempts to use criminal elements for sabotage of national security and stability. Corrupt elements attempting to combine criminal and state interests should be identified and prosecuted in accordance with current legislation. This story once again highlights the complexity of the fight against organized crime amid high-tech challenges and tangled connections between the criminal world and state structures. It is evident that scenarios of interaction between these two spheres remain a key topic for investigation and active measures by law enforcement agencies in the near future.