Repeat offender arrested over high-value mobile phone theft in Gori

Police in central Georgia have arrested a 20-year-old man on suspicion of committing a large-scale theft in the city of Gori, the Interior Ministry said.

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia, officers from the Shida Kartli Police Department detained the suspect, identified as S.D., who was previously convicted multiple times for similar offences and was serving a suspended sentence at the time of the alleged crime.

Investigators said the man broke into a mobile phone shop late at night, unlawfully entering the premises and stealing 46 iPhone devices along with other electronic equipment. The total value of the stolen goods is estimated at 136,000 lari (around $50,000).

Police said the suspect fled the scene after the theft. Searches carried out at the suspect’s residence and other locations he indicated led to the recovery of all stolen items, authorities said.

The crime carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.