Ukrainian war on two fronts: Russia and organized crime
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) announced the discovery of large caches of weapons in operations against criminals across the Dnieper. The diverse arsenal even included hand-held anti-tank weapons. Here, we highlight some of the more intriguing finds.
6:12 AM EST, December 10, 2023
Beyond the battle against Russia, Ukrainians are also combating organized crime. These criminal outfits exploit war-fuelled chaos and the enduring culture of corruption in Ukraine, arming themselves with military-grade weapons.
This isn't the first SBU raid that has surfaced substantial amounts of illegal weaponry. In recent months, for instance, a man was apprehended for possessing 9M133 Kornet anti-tank missiles, while a priest was caught peddling handheld 9K38 "Igla" anti-aircraft kits on the black market.
Now, photos of significantly larger arms caches have emerged. These stockpiles include several dozen RPG-18/RPG-22/RPG-26 anti-tank rocket launchers, thousands of rounds of ammunition for small arms, grenades, AK rifles, Czech Vz. 61 Škorpion submachine guns, and APS automatic pistols. The stash also included niche items such as the sought-after SWD sniper rifle and the PP-91 Kedr submachine gun. It is assumed that the confiscated weapons will be passed on to the SZU.
The hidden arsenal of Ukrainian criminals
The stockpile contained an array of disposable anti-tank RPG-18/22/26s, capable of obliterating lightly armored targets up to approximately 220 yards. The lightweight 64 mm caliber RPG-18, which carries a 2.6 kg payload, can penetrate up to 12 inches of armor. In the 1980s, the slightly larger and more powerful RPG-22 was introduced and can penetrate up to 16 inches of armored steel. These launchers may not pose a threat to most tanks frontally, but can be effective when striking from the side.
Meanwhile, the SWD sniper rifle poses a significant threat at distances up to 656/766 yards. When loaded with appropriate 7.62x54 mm R ammunition (anti-tank with a tungsten core), this rifle can penetrate most ballistic plates used in bulletproof vests.
The cache also included Czech-made Vz. 61 Škorpion submachine guns. These have long been favored by organizations, criminals, and terrorists, offering high firepower in a compact weapon easily concealed underclothing. Weighing just over 3.3 lbs with a 20-round magazine, the Vz. 61 Škorpion boasts a firing rate of up to 850 rounds per minute with a potential firing range of 164 yards.
The most intriguing find is the PP-91 Kedr submachine gun. This 1990s design, developed for Russian services and police, is conceptually similar to the Czech Vz. 61 Škorpion but is fitted with the more powerful 9×18 mm Makarov cartridge. Weighing 3.41 lbs, the PP-91 Kedr operates on the principle of blowback, with a firing rate of up to 800 rounds per minute. What makes it particularly appealing to collectors is its limited production run.
