Security Forces Arrest Military Officer Attempting to Illegally Sell Weapons and Ammunition in Donetsk Region
As a result of a large-scale operation, Ukrainian law enforcement authorities detained a military serviceman who attempted to sell weapons and ammunition stored within his military unit in Donetsk region. According to the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), this service member actively sought buyers through social networks in April 2025, offering nearly 2 million hryvnias for 26 grenades and 9 grenade launchers associated with his unit. The criminal arranged a transaction with a "client," handing over stolen weapons in fully or partially assembled sets in exchange for cash. Notably, the deal involved selling a drone for 40,000 hryvnias — equipment acquired through illegal activities. Subsequently, the serviceman tried to sell an additional 9 grenades and 3 grenade launchers for 65,000 hryvnias but was detained by SBI officers during the transaction. Law enforcement documented the illegal sale of 35 grenades and 12 grenade launchers belonging to his military unit, with an estimated total value exceeding 1.7 million hryvnias. During searches, all confiscated weapons, including the already sold items and the drone, were recovered. After completing legal procedures, the weapons will be returned to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The military officer has been informed of suspicion under articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, including misappropriation of ammunition and explosives with abuse of official position during wartime, as well as illegal possession, purchase, and sale of weapons, explosives, and devices without proper authorization. According to investigations, these actions can lead to a prison sentence of up to 15 years. The detainee has been remanded in custody with the possibility of bail.