A verdict has been issued in Odessa for five members of an organized crime group convicted of kidnapping and demanding 1 million dollars.

 According to the prosecutor's office, in March 2021, the criminals abducted the son of entrepreneurs in Odessa. The victim was held captive while they demanded 1 million dollars from his family for his release.

Later, the kidnapped individual was transported to Kyiv, where law enforcement arrested the gang and rescued the hostage.

Three defendants received sentences of 10 years in prison, while two were given 8 years with property confiscation. They were convicted of unlawful deprivation of liberty, kidnapping, and extortion (part 3 of article 27, part 3 of article 28, part 3 of article 146, part 4 of article 189 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

Prior to the verdict, all group members were held in custody.