Seven arrested on charges of organizing group violence, robbery and extortion
Seven people have been arrested on charges of organizing group violence, robbery and extortion following operational and investigative measures conducted by the Central Criminal Police Department of Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs in cooperation with the Prosecutor General’s Office.
Central Criminal Police Department Director Davit Kiknadze announced the arrests at a briefing held at the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
“Evidence obtained by law enforcement officers during the criminal investigation established that one of the accused had formed an organized criminal group and, together with its members, devised a plan to attack citizens, physically assault them and unlawfully obtain material benefits.
Members of the group created fake profiles under female names on various social media platforms. Using these accounts, they contacted men and arranged meetings at locations selected in advance under the pretext of getting acquainted. When the individuals arrived at the agreed locations, the group members attacked them together.
The accused subjected the victims to particularly cruel treatment, verbally and physically assaulting them while displaying bladed weapons and sharp objects. They also unlawfully took the victims’ money and personal belongings.
Members of the criminal group recorded the beatings and humiliation of the victims on mobile phones and subsequently shared the footage on social media. They then continued to exert psychological pressure on the victims and extort money from them,” the ministry said.
According to the ministry, searches conducted by law enforcement officers resulted in the seizure of bladed weapons, masks, tactical equipment, mobile phones and computer equipment as evidence.
The investigation is being conducted under Articles 178, 181 and 225 of Georgia’s Criminal Code, which carry prison sentences of up to 12 years.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs said investigative measures are ongoing to identify and prosecute other individuals involved in the crimes.