Georgian police arrest 44 people in nationwide operation targeting organised crime

Georgia’s Interior Ministry said police have arrested 44 people allegedly linked to the criminal underworld following coordinated operations carried out across the country over the past 24 hours.

According to David Kiknadze, officers from the Central Criminal Police and Tbilisi Police Departments, working alongside the Prosecutor's Office of Georgia, conducted operational and investigative measures under court orders.

A further seven individuals have been charged, some in penitentiary institutions and others in absentia. Authorities said two of those charged are alleged “thieves-in-law” currently abroad: Levan Marghia and Nodar Shukakidze.

Investigators alleged the suspects organised so-called “criminal dispute settlements” and issued decisions based on the rules of the criminal underworld. Police said the accused maintained contact with senior criminal figures and were involved in resolving financial and criminal disputes in exchange for money.

According to the Interior Ministry, individuals who failed to comply with imposed deadlines were allegedly threatened with violence and death.

Authorities also allege that members of the group targeted individuals in various districts of Tbilisi, forcing them against their will to activate bank loans through internet banking services. Investigators say the suspects then transferred the funds to their own accounts and unlawfully obtained large sums of money.

The investigation further claims that members of the group periodically provided criminal figures with information about residents in Tbilisi who could later be targeted for extortion under the name of the so-called “criminal world”.

During searches, police seized mobile phones, computer equipment and firearms. Investigators said the devices were allegedly used to communicate with one another and with criminal figures based abroad.

The investigation is being conducted under several articles of Georgia’s Criminal Code related to organised crime and illegal weapons offences. Convictions could carry prison sentences of up to 15 years.