Three more arrested in murder of businessman Levan Jangveladze in Tbilisi

Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs has arrested three additional suspects in connection with the March 15 murder of businessman Levan Jangveladze on Chavchavadze Avenue in Tbilisi. Charges will also be filed in absentia against two individuals currently abroad.

One of the detained suspects is Giorgi Mikadze, while his brother, Davit Mikadze, will be charged in absentia. According to Tbilisi Police Department Director Vazha Siradze, the arrests are linked to the premeditated murder-for-hire of Jangveladze, motivated by business disputes and personal hostility.

Investigators allege that the Mikadze brothers organized the killing and enlisted the help of another suspect, G.J., to find a hitman. G.J.’s bodyguard allegedly agreed to carry out the murder for payment. The suspects also illegally acquired firearms, one of which was used in the attack.

On August 14, the alleged gunman, Gela Udzilauri, shot and killed Jangveladze and injured his companion. Udzilauri was arrested on March 17 and has been placed in pretrial detention.

The victim, Levan Jangveladze, was the brother of the so-called “thief-in-law” Merab Jangveladze.