Two charged over alleged organised fraud scheme targeting elderly citizens

The Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia has charged two individuals in connection with an alleged organised fraud scheme involving the large-scale deception of citizens and the unlawful acquisition of significant sums of money.

Acting in coordination with the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia, investigators established that members of an organised group contacted citizens - primarily elderly individuals - by telephone during April and posed as representatives of utility service companies.

The suspects allegedly offered fake tax-related benefits and obtained personal data from victims. They later reportedly re-contacted the victims, presenting themselves as law enforcement officers and warning that sharing personal information could lead to financial losses.

Victims were allegedly instructed to hand over their cash savings to so-called representatives for “verification” purposes, with assurances that the money would later be returned.

Authorities said the scheme resulted in the fraudulent acquisition of approximately 125,000 GEL.

The offence carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison.