Georgian police detain 72 in crackdown on organised crime links in western Georgia

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia and the State Security Service of Georgia have detained 72 people in Adjara, western Georgia, during overnight operations targeting alleged links to organised crime.

At a briefing on Tuesday, Interior Minister Geka Geladze said a further five individuals had been charged, including some already in custody and others in absentia, among them an alleged “thief-in-law”.

Authorities said those detained face charges including membership of the criminal underworld, supporting its activities, participation in criminal gatherings, and seeking decisions from its members.

The suspects were involved in organising so-called criminal “disputes” and issuing decisions, often in coordination with figures linked to the underworld, including Aslan Kobuladze, the official said. 

The decisions reportedly concerned financial and other disputes, with individuals allegedly forced to pay money under threat of violence.

Officials said the investigation is ongoing under multiple articles of Georgia’s criminal code, carrying potential prison sentences of up to 15 years.

The Interior Ministry said combating organised crime, particularly the influence of the so-called criminal underworld, remained a top priority for law enforcement agencies.