Police arrested 13 individuals for connections with “criminal underworld” and use of criminal authorities for settling financial disputes.

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, 3 people were accused of membership in the “criminal underworld”, 8 were detained for supporting activities of the latter, 2 were arrested for appealing to its members.

The crimes are punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

“The investigation had established the mentioned people had actively participated in various criminal activities and arranged “thief-in-law trials” to resolve financial disputes.

The individuals charged with the supporting activities provided information to its members regarding the cases, presented their opinions, and evaluated and helped carry out the activities.

Police seized computers and mobile phones the arrested group used to communicate with each other and with members of the “criminal underworld” abroad. They also discovered firearms, ammunition and drugs in their search of the individuals and their residential houses”, - reads the statement of the agency.