FBI takes down Georgian criminal group for money laundering

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has apprehended members of a Georgian criminal group involved in money laundering activities in the country. The arrests, made on November 14, were coordinated by the South District Prosecutor’s Office in New York.

The leader of the criminal network, identified as Vazha Gabadadze, also known as Natan Iusupov, was detained along with his associates Kacha Kachadze, Teimuraz Tavberidze (Tava), and David Tikaradze. All four individuals are reported to be originally from Kutaisi, western Georgia.

According to official reports, the group attempted to launder money through a combination of physical force and intimidation tactics between September 2022 to August 2023, during which the group allegedly engaged in unlawful practices, violating both local and federal laws.

James Smith, spokesperson for the FBI, emphasised the agency’s commitment to upholding the rule of law. “The aversion to law and order, coupled with physical intimidation and force to extort money, is illegal and will not be tolerated in our city. This is unlawful behavior the suspects had been engaged in for months,” Smith said. 

If convicted, the arrested individuals could face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, with the final penalty size determined by the presiding judge.