Man arrested for alleged trafficking, sexual exploitation of minor in Georgia

Georgian police have arrested a 27-year-old man on charges of human trafficking and facilitating the sexual exploitation of a minor, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has announced.

According to officials, the suspect - identified only as L.Kh., born in 1997 - has been accused of recruiting an underage girl for sexual exploitation and forcing her to provide paid sexual services at a massage salon he operated.

Investigators said the minor was instructed to engage in sexual acts with clients in exchange for money, half of which she was reportedly required to hand over to the suspect.

The arrest followed coordinated operational and investigative measures carried out by the Ministry’s Anti-Trafficking and Illegal Migration unit in cooperation with the Prosecutor General’s Office.

The case is being pursued under Articles 254(1), 254(2), and 143²(1) of Georgia’s Criminal Code, relating to trafficking, providing premises for prostitution, and encouraging prostitution. The offences carry a maximum penalty of up to 12 years in prison.