Riot Police Detain 19 People In Vitsebsk Region

For poaching and not only.

Special forces detained 19 people in Vitsebsk region for poaching, illegal trafficking of firearms and ammunition, reported the Interior Ministry.

Operatives carried out the arrest of suspects with the support of the special anti-terrorism unit of Almaz.

According to the Interior Ministry, the defendants were engaged in illegal hunting with the use of a helicopter in Vitsebsk region, during which they killed a red-book brown bear. During searches at the homes of the detainees, physical evidence, firearms, ammunition, special devices and vehicles used in criminal activities were seized.

Investigators opened a criminal case for illegal hunting with the use of an aerial vehicle, causing damage on a particularly large scale. Further operational and investigative actions are being carried out in respect of the defendants. Their involvement in committing other offences is being investigated.