Four minors detained in Tbilisi over robbery, theft and data offences

Four minors have been detained in Tbilisi on suspicion of robbery, theft and unlawful access to computer data, Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia said on Friday.

The suspects have been accused of acting in groups and carrying out a series of offences at grocery stores and pharmacy chains across the capital. Investigators alleged the minors targeted the businesses with the intention of unlawfully obtaining goods and cash.

Authorities said the incidents caused financial damage of up to 30,000 lari (around $11,000) to affected commercial outlets.

The investigation also found that one of the suspects allegedly robbed a taxi driver using violence, taking personal belongings including bank cards. The same individual has been accused of using those cards at various retail locations for financial gain.

The four minors were detained as defendants on the basis of a court order following operational and investigative measures, the ministry said.

If convicted, the offences carry a potential prison sentence of up to eight years.