The Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia reported the extradition of individuals wanted for human trafficking by a transnational criminal organisation from Georgia to France. The Ministry of Internal Affairs’ officers detained the individuals on Georgian territory in effective cooperation between Georgian and French authorities.

According to the agency, the persons extradited have been wanted by French authorities under an Interpol Red Notice since 2024.

“The investigation conducted by French authorities revealed that, within the framework of a transnational organised group operating under the guise of Tantra Yoga, the group was involved in human trafficking for sexual exploitation. Leaders of one of the units participated in the transfer of at least seven individuals to France for sexual exploitation,” the Prosecutor’s Office stated.

Based on petitions from the Office of the Prosecutor General of Georgia, the court of all instances declared the extradition of these individuals to France permissible. On April 16, 2025, Georgia’s Minister of Justice issued a final decision approving the extradition, after which the wanted persons were handed over by the employees of the Special Penitentiary Service to representatives of French authorities.

“The Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia remains committed to ongoing cooperation with international law enforcement agencies to ensure that wanted persons are brought to justice,” the statement concluded.