Court in Gliwice to hand down verdict in Ukrainian "Yakuza" case. Prosecutor seeks harsh sentences
The District Court in Gliwice is concluding a trial of 12 members of an organised crime group dealing in narcotics. The prosecutor has sought sentences ranging from 3 to 12 years imprisonment and confiscation of assets worth over one million zlotys.
Court in Gliwice to hand down verdict in Ukrainian "Yakuza" case. Prosecutor seeks harsh sentences
The evidentiary phase has concluded in the Gliwice district court in a case involving an international gang trafficking in narcotics. Twelve men sat in the dock: nine from Ukraine, two from Belarus, and one Polish citizen. The prosecutor concluded closing arguments in May, requesting lengthy sentences and confiscation of assets.
The criminal structure operated across several regions of the country, using encrypted applications to contact clients. Orders were fulfilled through dead drops, which prevented direct contact between dealers and buyers. The group adopted its name from a Japanese criminal organisation.
According to the indictment, the entire operation was run by Artsiom T. The man had numerous previous convictions and was in prison at the time of his apprehension for earlier narcotics offences. Investigators requested that he be sentenced to 12 years imprisonment.
His associate was Nadzeya Ch., who despite having no prior convictions received a request for 10 years in prison. Mykhailo D. was responsible for logistics and overseeing a warehouse in Łódź, for which the prosecutor is seeking an 8-year sentence.
The remaining members of the group performed duties as couriers and sales intermediaries in Łódź, Kraków, Gliwice and Katowice. Against them, the public prosecutor requested sentences ranging from 3 years to 4 and a half years, depending on the level of involvement.
Investigators are also demanding confiscation of all assets acquired through illegal activity. Three vehicles worth approximately one million zlotys in total have been secured – including two expensive BMWs – as well as cash amounting to 320 thousand zlotys. Additionally, cryptocurrency worth approximately 51 thousand dollars was seized.
Defence counsel argued during closing statements that the proposed sentences were too harsh. The verdict is expected to be announced in due course.
Source: TVP Katowice – katowice.tvp.pl
Source: Google News PL — Crime (pl)