The offenders skillfully stole jewelry from their victims during conversations. They have been charged and face up to eight years in prison.
Authorities uncovered and documented the criminal activities of three residents of Odesa, aged 25, 26, and 28, with the involvement of the criminal investigation department and other units of the regional police.
The criminals acted according to a pre-arranged plan, using hugs and playful wrestling techniques to distract victims while stealing gold jewelry they wore.
Specifically, the criminals joined a group of friends relaxing at a hotel patio without invitation. One offender jokingly engaged in a struggle with a stranger, discreetly removing a gold chain from his neck. Another theft occurred in the street; the criminals approached a passerby, and during the conversation, one hugged the stranger and similarly removed a gold chain.
Currently, six victims have been identified from such "theatrical performances" staged by the criminals in public areas. Each participant had a role: some distracted the attention while others subtly took possessions. The total amount of damages inflicted on the victims is being determined.
The police legally apprehended all suspects. During the investigative actions, a number of material evidence were seized.
Gathering sufficient evidence, investigators informed the detained individuals of their suspicion in a series of thefts committed by a group of people in coordination under martial law. According to Part 4 of Article 185 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, the suspects face up to eight years of imprisonment. The court has chosen preventive measures in the form of detention with the right to bail set at 847,840 UAH.
The pre-trial investigation is ongoing. The procedural guidance in the case is carried out by the Primorsky District Prosecutor's Office of Odesa.