Police officers in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, have detained members of an organized crime group linked to a string of serious offenses dating back more than 25 years.

The suspects were involved in violent crimes in the late 1990s and early 2000s, including armed robberies and hostage-taking incidents, The Caspian Post reports via Tajik media.

Investigators say the group used weapons such as the Makarov pistol and Kalashnikov rifle during their operations.

Criminal cases have been opened against the detainees on charges including hostage-taking, illegal possession and acquisition of weapons, and armed robbery.