Dozens arrested in Georgia in major crackdown on organised crime

Authorities in Georgia have arrested 26 individuals in a large-scale operation targeting organised crime, officials confirmed on Wednesday. The arrests took place across Tbilisi, Imereti, and Samegrelo, with four additional suspects charged in absentia, including three alleged high-ranking crime figures known as “thieves in law.”

The Ministry of Internal Affairs released details of the operation, which was carried out in collaboration with the Prosecutor General’s Office and the Main Division for Combating Organised Crime. The suspects face charges that carry penalties of up to 15 years in prison.

According to investigators, those arrested were involved in settling financial disputes between citizens through informal and criminal networks. Authorities allege that the defendants sought personal financial gain by liaising with organised crime figures abroad and orchestrating illegal gatherings of criminal leaders.

Among those detained are several individuals with prior convictions, including men identified by their nicknames, such as “Pacho,” “Mesto,” and “Kocho.” Additionally, one suspect, R.M., was charged in absentia. Other individuals have been accused of participating in criminal gatherings and supporting criminal activities, while some face charges related to the possession of illegal firearms.

Three individuals—Jeyran Kintsurashvili, Kako Tugushi, and Mamuka Chkhaberidze—who are currently outside Georgia, have been charged in absentia with offences related to being a criminal boss.

During searches of the suspects’ residences, police reportedly seized mobile phones, computers, firearms, ammunition, and narcotics, including marijuana. Investigators say these devices were used to coordinate activities with criminal figures abroad.