Ukrainian authorities dismantled the “Khimprom” gang, which was allegedly selling drugs through a well-known retail chain called U420. The operation came after public outrage, triggered when an independent investigative team from Bihus.Info discovered a potent synthetic narcotic substance in one of the stores.
While police were still investigating, members of the public began vandalizing the stores, breaking windows and secretly recording employees.
It later emerged that teenagers had access to the substances just like adults. Many experienced severe intoxication effects, and some were hospitalized.
Criminal syndicate growing through legal-looking fronts
The National Police later confirmed that the U420 store network was linked to the drug syndicate “Khimprom".
According to investigators, it was a multi-level criminal organization with Russian origins that had been operating for years, trafficking drugs, ordering violent attacks, and defrauding people across Europe.
Authorities have now issued suspicion notices to members of the group, including its leader.
“Those who stood in the way of the syndicate were either persecuted or physically eliminated,” said Bihus.Info.
Law enforcement documented more than 30 violent crimes committed or ordered by members of Khimprom. Case materials include recordings discussing pricing for attacks on individuals.
Investigation reveals transnational structure led by Russian national
The leader of the group is a Russian citizen known by the alias “Mexican". He left the country in 2019 and has since been coordinating the network remotely. He has been placed on an international wanted list.
Key production hubs were located in Kyiv and Dnipro. Within just a few months, the network expanded to 105 distribution points nationwide.
During raids, authorities seized goods worth over $1.7 million, more than 300 mobile phones, around 1,000 bank cards, seals, and other materials. Additionally, 416 bank accounts linked to the scheme were frozen.
