Officers from the Central Criminal Police Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), in cooperation with the Prosecutor General’s Office, have arrested 14 individuals and sealed nine venues across Tbilisi and Kutaisi. The police operation was carried out based on a judicial warrant, following charges of facilitating prostitution and providing premises for prostitution.

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the detainees include citizens of Georgia, as well as nationals of China and Thailand.

“Law enforcement officers carried out dozens of complex investigative actions as part of this criminal case, including covert audio and video recording, based on which the criminal activities of the defendants have been established.

The investigation revealed that the owners and administrators of the premises under their control employed foreign nationals within these properties and facilitated their involvement in prostitution. They systematically provided these venues in Tbilisi and Kutaisi for prostitution in exchange for financial gain.

The evidence obtained also demonstrates that the defendants assisted the women involved in prostitution in finding clients, receiving a portion of the proceeds in return.

Furthermore, the evidence confirms that the primary source of income for these establishments was derived from funds generated through the facilitation of prostitution.

The investigation is being conducted under Parts 1 and 2 of Article 254 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which carries a penalty of up to four years’ imprisonment,” the MIA’s statement reads.