In a coordinated police operation, officers from the Isani-Samgori Main Division of the Tbilisi Police Department, in collaboration with the Kvemo Kartli Police Department, have detained seven individuals suspected of a series of serious crimes.

The investigation revealed that the suspects visited the residence of two Russian citizens late at night under the pretence of checking for a gas leak. Using a bladed weapon and making threats to kill, they stole USD 2,000, along with the victims’ mobile phones and a laptop. Following this, they physically assaulted the victims and demanded an additional USD 300,000, threatening to kill them if their demands were not met. Several hours later, the victims were coerced into separate vehicles at gunpoint and taken to the Marneuli municipality.

As a result of the operational measures and investigative efforts undertaken in the case, law enforcement officers have detained all seven suspects in Marneuli and Gori.

Meanwhile, efforts are underway to identify and apprehend any other individuals who may have been involved in the crime.

The investigation is being carried out under Articles 144 and 179 of the Criminal Code, which pertain to group robbery, committed against two or more persons with the intent to commit a crime, involving violence that endangers life or health, hostage-taking, and illegal entry into an apartment to seize a significant amount of property. Penalties for these offences can include imprisonment for up to 14 years.