Slave labor instead of rehabilitation: law enforcement uncovered a gang in Kyiv Oblast

Ukrainian law enforcement has uncovered a criminal group that allegedly illegally detained and exploited people in Kyiv Oblast.

This was reported by the National Police of Ukraine and the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine.

“The criminal scheme was organized by the head of a public organization. He involved a co-founder of the same organization as his ‘right-hand man,’ three people who acted as overseer-guards, as well as nine other individuals. Through psychological pressure and beatings, the victims were forced into heavy physical labor. In addition, the perpetrators forcibly administered sedative drugs to people. For what they did, the suspects face up to 15 years in prison,” police said.

The pre-trial investigation established the operation of a pseudo-rehabilitation center. Under the pretext of helping people with alcohol and drug addictions, the group allegedly illegally held 48 citizens, restricted their freedom, and forced them to perform heavy physical labor.

Under the guise of “work therapy,” people were made to do physical work—such as chopping wood and other household tasks—without any pay. Victims were allegedly intimidated, beaten, and forcibly given sedatives.

During court-authorized searches, investigators seized documentation, electronic data carriers, seals, registration documents, mobile phones, an unregistered firearm, cash, and potent medications.

Law enforcement says it rescued 16 potential victims of human trafficking, including one minor—a 17-year-old boy. (Prosecutors reportedly explained that 16 is the number of victims who had filed statements as of February 16.) The rescued individuals are now receiving necessary assistance.

The actions of three suspects were classified under Part 2 of Article 146 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code (unlawful deprivation of liberty or kidnapping committed by a group) and Part 2 of Article 149 (human trafficking). All three have been detained. At the prosecutor’s request, the court ordered detention as a preventive measure, with the option of release on bail.