Officers from the Central Criminal Police and Tbilisi Police departments of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), acting in concert with the General Prosecutor’s Office, have arrested 44 individuals connected to the so-called ‘thieves’ world’ over the past 24 hours, following a series of complex covert and procedural operations carried out nationwide based on a court order.

This was announced by the Director of the Central Criminal Police Department, David Kiknadze, at a briefing held at the ministry.

He further explained that charges have been brought against an additional seven individuals, some whilst in penitentiary institutions, others in absentia, including two so-called ‘thieves in law’ currently residing abroad.

“As a result of covert investigative measures carried out by law enforcement officers based on a court order, it was established that the individuals charged with criminal offences had been conducting so-called ‘thieves’ arbitrations’ and issuing so-called ‘thieves’ rulings’.

The detainees were connected to representatives of the thieves’ world, including the so-called thieves in law Levan Marghia and Nodar Shukakidze, who, for personal gain and in accordance with the so-called ‘thieves’ codes’, were adjudicating financial and criminal disputes between members of the public, subsequently compelling the parties involved to make payments. In instances where deadlines were missed, threats of physical harm and even death were issued.

As a result of law enforcement investigations, it has been determined that members of the criminal group, following a premeditated plan, travelled by car to different districts of Tbilisi, targeted specific individuals, and forcibly coerced them into activating online banking loans. They then unlawfully transferred large sums of money to their own accounts.

The investigation also revealed that the accused regularly provided the so-called ‘thieves in law’ with information about residents of Tbilisi, enabling them to extract material gain and extort money in the name of the ‘thieves’ world.’

Law enforcement searches led to the seizure of the accused’s mobile phones and computer equipment, which were used to communicate with each other and with alleged ‘thieves in law’ abroad. During the investigation, police also recovered firearms.

The investigation is being conducted under Articles 223 prima, 223 tertia, 223 quarta, and 236 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which carry sentences of up to 15 years’ imprisonment.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs remains committed to vigorous efforts against organised crime, including criminal activities linked to the so-called ‘thieves’ world,’ to uphold the rule of law and ensure the safety of all citizens. Any individual who engages in criminal activity, violates the law, or facilitates criminal conduct will be held to account with the full force of the law,” declared David Kiknadze, Director of the Central Criminal Police Department.