To avoid being unfairly accused of murder and to improve his reputation, police Major Alexei Gorbatov, nicknamed Gorbaty, agrees to lead an experimental police unit consisting of former prisoners. These criminals have specific skills that are useful for infiltrating the criminal environment without the need for a long cover. In the process of completing tasks, the Hunchback is faced with a difficult moral choice and the need to control dangerous subordinates who can break down at any moment and let him down.