Under the procedural guidance of prosecutors from the Mykolaiv Regional Prosecutor's Office, a man has been charged with preparing for the smuggling of weapons, committed by a group of individuals in conspiracy (Part 1 of Article 14, Part 2 of Article 201 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). 

According to the investigation, a local entrepreneur illegally appropriated weapons from the Ukrainian arsenal during the full-scale war, specifically components for naval artillery systems.

These are naval artillery systems of various types, including six-barreled automatic guns AO-18 and universal installations AK-176M, with a total value of nearly 1.5 million US dollars. Such weapons are used on combat ships to hit fast-moving targets at short distances, including drones and cruise missiles.

To conceal the weapons, the man used specially manufactured containers. He planned to transport these disguised loads abroad, avoiding customs control. For this purpose, a contract was concluded between companies under his control, registered in EU countries and Southeast Asia.

During searches of the suspect's warehouses and offices, law enforcement seized artillery systems in special containers, additional components for military boats, as well as contracts with foreign enterprises.

The suspect is in custody. 

He faces up to 12 years of imprisonment with confiscation of property.

The pre-trial investigation is being conducted by the Security Service of Ukraine in the Mykolaiv region.

Note: according to Article 62 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person is presumed innocent of committing a crime and cannot be subjected to criminal punishment until their guilt is proven in a lawful manner and established by a court verdict.