Vilnius law enforcement apprehends armed gang that kidnapped man and demanded six-figure ransom
Officers detained more than a dozen individuals linked to the abduction of a person and other serious crimes. Firearms and narcotics were seized during the operation.
Vilnius law enforcement apprehends armed gang that kidnapped man and demanded six-figure ransom
More than ten people were placed behind bars when Vilnius District Police, working in collaboration with prosecutors and special forces, exposed an organised criminal network. This gang abducted a man in early March in the Vilnius district and demanded hundreds of thousands of euros from his relatives for his release.
The entire investigation began on 4 March of this year, when a report was received about an abduction carried out in Pagiria. Several attackers used physical force to force the victim into a car boot and drove away. Later, law enforcement officers discovered hidden tracking devices in the victim's vehicle, which indicated that the attack had been planned in advance.
In order to cover their tracks, the criminals burned the car used for the abduction a few hours later in the Kernavė area of Širvintai District. The victim was taken to a pre-rented homestead in Trakai District, where he was guarded by accomplices. The family members were presented with a demand to pay a six-figure sum for the man's return.
After nearly a day of intensive law enforcement work, the exact location of the hostage was established. Fighters of the Lithuanian Police Counterterrorism Operations Unit "Aras" conducted an assault, during which the man was successfully freed. On the same day, officers arrested three accomplices.
In June, another large-scale operation was carried out, during which the remaining gang members were apprehended. After conducting twenty-seven searches at the suspects' residences and vehicles, firearms, narcotic and psychotropic substances were seized, along with documents and items important for the investigation.
At present, more than ten individuals have been charged. They are suspected of crimes including unlawful deprivation of liberty, extortion, fraud, document forgery, and unlawful possession of narcotic and psychotropic substances. The detained individuals have been ordered preventive measures – detention and less stringent alternatives.
The pre-trial investigation is organised and conducted by a prosecutor from the Organised Crime and Corruption Investigation Division of the Vilnius Regional Prosecutor's Office. Efforts are continuing to identify all persons involved in these acts.
Source: LRT