Police operation targets criminal network, 34 arrested, suspect killed, deputy Interior Minister

A major nationwide law enforcement operation against organised crime in Georgia has resulted in 34 arrests, while a suspect was shot and killed after opening fire on police officers in the Lagodekhi municipality, Deputy Interior Minister Aleksandre Darakhvelidze announced on Wednesday.

According to the ministry, special forces attempted to detain 1973-born Mirza Aliev in the village of Kabali, based on a court-ordered warrant. Aliev reportedly opened intense gunfire at the officers, seriously wounding one special forces member in the chest. Police returned fire, killing Aliev at the scene.

The coordinated operation involved units from the Central Criminal Police Department, Tbilisi, Kakheti, Mtskheta-Mtianeti divisions, as well as the Special Tasks Department. It was carried out simultaneously across multiple regions.

The Interior Ministry said those detained are accused of membership or support of the so-called “thieves-in-law” criminal hierarchy - including organising criminal gatherings, resolving financial disputes between citizens, and communicating with crime bosses abroad to execute unlawful directives.

Seven additional suspects - including two inmates and four individuals abroad, as well as one identified “thief-in-law” - have been charged in absentia.

Investigators alleged that the criminal network organised illegal “thieves’ gatherings,” threatened individuals with death, and imposed financial penalties on those who violated informal rules. The ministry highlighted the alleged role of criminal figure Elmuraz Mamedov, who is said to have been an active organiser in the scheme.

Police said they recovered mobile phones and computer equipment believed to have been used to communicate with international criminal figures, as well as illegal firearms, narcotics and large amounts of cash during searches of suspects’ residences.

The offences under investigation are punishable by up to 15 years of imprisonment.

The investigation is ongoing under multiple articles of the Criminal Code of Georgia, including 223^1 (membership of a criminal community), 223^3 (supporting criminal activities), 223^2 (appealing to a member of a criminal community), as well as Articles 109 and 181, which relate to attempted intentional murder and armed robbery.