Counterterrorism Center of the State Security Service of Georgia (SSG) and the State Security Service of Ukraine suppressed contract murder by the explosion of two persons planned in Tbilisi. Six citizens of Georgia have been detained, 4 of them are the former members of the Aslan Abashidze Family.

Counterterrorism Center of the State Security Service of Georgia and the State Security Service of Ukraine Suppressed Contract Murder by Explosion of Two Persons Planned in Tbilisihttps://t.co/tnL2AYebAZ

— SSG (@ssofgeorgia) January 30, 2020

State Security Service of Georgia says “the crime of particularly serious category envisages preparation of contract murder under aggravating circumstances by a group, against two or more persons, manufacturing, purchase, keeping and sale of firearms and explosive equipment.”

“As a result of simultaneously conducted activities 6 citizens of Georgia have been detained in Tbilisi and Batumi on the basis of court ruling. The officers of the Counterterrorism Center detained 2 citizens of Georgia: G.B and B.Ts. in Tbilisi on the fact of preparation of a murder in aggravating circumstances, while in Batumi 4 citizens of Georgia: R.B., N.B., G.T., and I.M. have been detained on the fact of illegal purchase-keeping, manufacturing and sale of explosive equipment.

In parallel with detentions taking place in Georgia, the officers of the State Security Service of Ukraine detained a citizen of Ukraine B.M. in Kharkov linked with the same crime,” State Security Service of Georgia stated.

The investigation is in progress on the fact of preparation of contract murder under aggravating circumstances by a group, against two or more persons, illegal manufacturing, purchase, keeping and sale of firearms, ammunition, explosive substances or equipment. (Article 18-109 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which envisages imprisonment for a term of 16 to 20 years or life imprisonment and Article 236, paragraph III, V, VI, which envisages imprisonment for a term of 6 to 9 years).