Ukrainian authorities made a significant arrest in an attempt to smuggle MiG-29 fighter jet equipment out of the country. According to Ukraine’s SBU security service, three individuals were involved in this alarming plot, which came to light on Nov. 8.
The stolen components were said to originate from the Motor Sich company. In response to this illegal activity, the SBU took swift action and apprehended the culprits.
For more information, read: Owners of freight carrier accused of attempting to smuggle aircraft engines to Iran
The man behind the scheme, identified as a Kharkiv-based businessman, was actively trying to sell aviation spare parts to potential foreign buyers through online platforms.
The main suspect and two accomplices were apprehended across Kyiv, Odesa, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhya in a joint operation between SBU and counterintelligence.
For further insights, read: No significant arms smuggling from Ukraine during war, EU says
The group aimed to illegally sell a set of aircraft engine components to Asian buyers for approximately UAH 2.5 million. It was evident that these components were unlawfully taken from Motor Sich.
“Planning to transport the products to foreign clients, the perpetrators intended to take them out of Ukraine while evading customs controls,” noted law enforcement officials.
It was revealed that one of the suspects was caught in Odesa Oblast attempting to transport aviation products to East Asia through Transnistria, hidden in concealed compartments in their vehicle.
The search operation brought to light a significant amount of Ukrainian aviation equipment. If found guilty, the three suspects could face a prison sentence of up to three years for violating international goods transfer procedures subject to export control.
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