Georgia’s State Security Service uncovers alleged fake-document scheme for residence permits

Georgia’s State Security Service on Thursday said its counterintelligence department had uncovered a scheme involving the production of fake documents for foreign nationals seeking residence permits.

According to the agency, investigators identified four suspects - one dual Turkish-Georgian national and three Georgian citizens - who allegedly prepared falsified paperwork for 16 Turkish nationals. The documents were intended for submission to the State Services Development Agency, part of the Ministry of Justice, as part of residence-permit applications.

The investigation found that individuals linked to several companies, including an accountant, a translator and other employees, used company directors’ personal data without their knowledge. They allegedly issued false employment contracts in the names of these businesses, claiming the applicants held positions within the firms.

All four suspects have been charged under Article 362 (part 1) of Georgia’s Criminal Code, which carries a penalty of up to three years in prison.