FBI wanted suspect arrested at Tbilisi airport

Georgian law enforcement authorities have arrested a suspect wanted by the United States on multiple serious criminal charges, following a joint operation conducted in cooperation with the US Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The Georgia's Ministry of Internal Affairs on Friday said officers from the Central Criminal Police Department and the Prosecutor General's Office detained the individual at Tbilisi International Airport after carrying out investigative measures in close coordination with the FBI.

The ministry said the arrest was made within the framework of a joint declaration signed between Georgian authorities and representatives of the US Department of State.

The suspect was wanted by the FBI on charges including aiding and abetting criminal activity, criminal conspiracy and money laundering.

Georgian officials said extradition procedures are now under way in accordance with the law.

The Interior Ministry noted that Georgia has maintained long-standing cooperation with US law enforcement agencies on a range of criminal investigations, including efforts to combat organised crime.