Russian business expansion in Georgia poses security risks, expert

Andro Gotsiridze, a Georgian security expert, has warned that the growing presence of Russian-owned businesses in the country posed a serious threat to both economic sovereignty and national security. He argued that beyond tourism and consumer spending, Russian nationals were increasingly establishing businesses that could undermine Georgia’s labour market and import harmful political and criminal influences.

“Russians are not just arriving as consumers - they are founding businesses, taking over spaces meant for Georgian employers and employees,” Gotsiridze said on Thursday. “And Russian business is often closely linked to organised crime.”

He cautioned that Russian economic activity risked introducing “Russian business rules” - a set of practices he associated with corruption, criminal networks, and informal power structures.

“These are rules Georgia has tried to leave behind - criminal mediation, racketeering, and the institutional fusion of state and criminal interests,” he said. “Such a model is fundamentally incompatible with Georgia’s democratic development and especially damaging for small and micro businesses.”

Gotsiridze acknowledged that tourism and foreign spending could stimulate economic growth, but he urged caution in light of Russia’s history of using economic tools for political influence.

“Russia uses the economy to exert pressure on neighbouring states, and Georgia is no exception,” he warned. “What appears financially beneficial now may become a lever of Kremlin control, particularly if Georgia moves closer to the EU and its traditional partners.”

He also referenced Russia’s declared readiness to use military force in neighbouring countries to “protect its citizens” - a justification invoked in past conflicts in Ukraine and Georgia.

“Russia has clearly stated it will not hesitate to intervene militarily under the pretext of protecting its nationals, especially in countries not shielded by NATO or other alliances,” Gotsiridze said.