Georgia detains 14 Chinese nationals for alleged involvement in illegal activities

Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs has detained 14 Chinese nationals who were found to be illegally present in the country. The arrests came as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged fraudulent activities operated by an organized group.

The body said the Central Criminal Police Department had initiated an investigation under Part 4 of Article 180 of the Criminal Code, which addresses fraud committed by an organized group. The probe began following reports of suspicious activities at a hotel in Dusheti municipality.

Law enforcement officers discovered a makeshift call center within the hotel, allegedly used for illegal financial activities. Police seized dozens of mobile phones and personal computers believed to be instrumental in carrying out fraudulent operations.

During the operation, authorities identified the 14 Chinese nationals who lacked legal residency status in Georgia. In coordination with the Migration Department, they were placed under a Detention of Foreigners and Citizenship order. Deportation procedures have been initiated in accordance with the country’s law on the legal status of foreigners.

The situation was further complicated by a recent fire at the hotel, which had been extinguished before police arrived. Following the incident, several other individuals who were staying at the hotel reportedly fled the scene.