Two arrested in Georgia over fraud involving German work visas

Two people have been arrested in Georgia on charges of repeated fraud causing significant financial damage, the Interior Ministry said on Friday.

According to investigators, one of the suspects allegedly promised fellow villagers that he would arrange German work visas for them. He reportedly took 1,500 euros from each of two people in advance, but failed to provide the promised visas and allegedly appropriated the money.

Investigators also said one of the suspects took advantage of an acquaintance's trust in a separate case. The suspect allegedly received 8,000 lari that was intended to be handed over to the owner of an apartment under a buyout agreement, but instead unlawfully appropriated the money.

Officers from the Marneuli District Division of the Interior Ministry's Kvemo Kartli Police Department arrested the two suspects at different times following operational and investigative measures.

The investigation is being conducted under Article 180 of Georgia's Criminal Code. The charges carry a sentence of up to nine years in prison.