Seven arrested in Georgia over armed robbery, hostage-taking

Police in Georgia have arrested seven individuals accused of involvement in a series of serious crimes, including armed robbery and hostage-taking, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia said on Friday.

Officers from the Tbilisi Police Department’s Isani-Samgori division, working jointly with the Kvemo Kartli Police Department, carried out a coordinated operation leading to the arrests.

Investigators said the suspects targeted foreign nationals, including citizens of Russia, by posing as inspectors responding to a reported gas leak. 

The group allegedly arrived at an apartment late at night and, using bladed weapons and threats to life, stole approximately $2,000 in cash, along with mobile phones and a laptop.

Authorities alleged that the victims were physically assaulted and pressured to hand over an additional $300,000, under threat of death. Several hours later, the victims were reportedly forced at gunpoint into vehicles and driven towards the Marneuli municipality.

All seven suspects were detained in Marneuli and Gori following what officials described as operative and investigative measures. Police said efforts were ongoing to identify and apprehend any additional individuals potentially involved in the case.

If convicted, the accused face up to 14 years in prison, the ministry said.