Georgian Interior Ministry detains 30 individuals linked to “thieves-in-law” criminal network
Photo: Ministry of Internal Affairs
The Georgian Interior Ministry on Friday announced that 30 individuals were arrested and charges were filed in absentia against two others for their involvement with the “thieves-in-law” criminal network.
Tornike Marsagishvili, the Head of the Anti-Trafficking and Illegal Migration Division of the Main Division for Combating Organised Crime of the Central Criminal Police Department, noted that the operation had been conducted overnight across Tbilisi, Imereti, Samtskhe-Javakheti, and Kakheti regions by the Central Criminal Police Department’s Main Division for Combating Organised Crime, in cooperation with the Prosecutor General’s Office.
The arrests were made on the basis of a court warrant.
Marsagishvili further added that nineteen individuals had been detained for “appealing to a member of the thieves’ world”, seven for “supporting its activities”, and four for “membership in the thieves’ world”.
Charges had been filed against two alleged “thieves-in-law”, namely, Tengiz Khopheria, alias Chinka, and another individual identified as T.K.
“The investigation revealed that the accused were involved in resolving financial disputes between citizens for personal gain, organising so-called “criminal arbitrations”, and imposing decisions in favor of one party under criminal traditions. In cases of noncompliance, they allegedly threatened victims with violence or even death. Khopheria, currently abroad, also participated in such arbitrations”, he said.
During searches of the suspects’ homes and personal belongings, police seized firearms, ammunition, cash, and mobile phones, which were used to communicate with each other and with Georgian “thieves-in-law” abroad.
The crimes carry penalties of up to 15 years in prison under Articles 223-1, 223-2, 223-3, and 223-4 of Georgian Criminal Code.
“The uncompromising fight against organised crime, including the so-called ‘thieves’ world’, remains one of the key priorities of the Ministry of Internal Affairs”, Marsagishvili concluded.
All News
25 August 2026, 14:51
Politics
“Educated, patriotic and thoughtful young people are country’s main pillar” - Georgian PM congratulates students who passed national exams
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has congratulated all students who successfully passed the country’s Unified National Examinations.
25 August 2026, 14:47
Justice
Georgian police seize drugs worth $2 million on black market, arrest two foreign nationals
Law enforcement officers have seized up to 33 kilograms of drugs, with an estimated black-market value of ₾ 6 million ($2,297,000), and arrested two foreign nationals in the city of Rustavi, the Georgian Interior Ministry said.
25 August 2026, 13:05
Politics
Ruling Georgian Dream party official accuses opposition and NGOs of acting against Georgia’s interests
Levan Machavariani, the First Deputy Chair of the parliamentary faction of the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Tuesday accused opposition parties, non-governmental organisations, and affiliated activists of acting against Georgia’s national interests and attempting to destabilise the country.
25 August 2026, 12:58
Economy
Cartu Foundation clarifies 2018 debt relief program amid social media claims
Cartu Foundation has dismissed recent claims circulating on social media regarding debts covered under its 2018 debt relief initiative, stating that any demands for repayment of loans included in the program are either the result of an error or involve obligations that did not meet the program’s eligibility criteria.
25 August 2026, 11:19
Foreign policy
Georgia joins 50+ countries in calling on Russia to accept unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine
Georgia has joined more than 50 United Nations member states in calling on Russia to agree to a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine.
25 August 2026, 10:55
Society
Tbilisi TV Tower illuminated in Ukrainian flag colours on Ukraine’s Independence Day
The Tbilisi TV Tower was illuminated in the colours of the Ukrainian national flag to mark Ukraine’s Independence Day, the Ukrainian Embassy in Georgia said in a social media post.
24 August 2026, 21:54
Politics
Georgian Maritime Agency denies reported port call by Indonesian-flagged vessel in Russian-occupied Abkhazia
The Georgian Maritime Transport Agency on Monday dismissed a report by opposition-leaning TV Formula alleging that the Indonesian-flagged vessel SAVIR TIGER (IMO 9388730) had entered a port in the Russian-occupied region of Abkhazia, saying the claim was not supported by available navigational and technical data.
24 August 2026, 17:55
Politics
Georgia’s First Lady reaffirms support for Ukraine at Kyiv Summit
The First Lady of Georgia, Tamar Bagrationi, participated in the sixth annual summit of the Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen (SFLG) Global Platform, an international initiative that has brought together spouses of world leaders since 2021.
24 August 2026, 15:38
Foreign policy
Georgian President wishes Ukraine ‘peace, strength, dignified future’ on Independence Day
Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili on Monday extended his best wishes to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people on the 35th anniversary of independence, wishing them “peace, strength and a dignified future”.
24 August 2026, 14:10
Politics
Georgia’s ruling party official says Garibashvili’s public letter sought to politicise corruption charges
Levan Machavariani, the First Deputy Chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party parliamentary faction, on Monday said it was “logical” to link imprisoned former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili’s public letter to the corruption-related allegations against him, adding that he had sought to “artificially politicise” the issue.
24 August 2026, 12:38
Politics
Georgia’s ruling party Sec Gen says domestic opposition figures part of “agent network” taking orders from foreign patrons
Kakha Kaladze, the Mayor of Tbilisi and Secretary General of the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Monday said there is no opposition in Georgia, but rather individuals who are part of an “agent network” operating inside the country and receiving instructions from foreign patrons.
24 August 2026, 12:10
Justice
Imprisoned ex-PM Garibashvili charged with accepting especially large bribe
Georgia’s Prosecutor’s Office on Monday charged imprisoned former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili with accepting an especially large bribe as part of a group acting under a prior agreement.
24 August 2026, 11:17
Foreign policy
“Long live Ukraine” - Georgian PM congratulates Ukraine on Independence Day, highlights historic friendship
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Monday congratulated Ukraine on its Independence Day, emphasising the strong bonds between the two countries and their peoples.
24 August 2026, 10:49
Society
Georgia marks Constitution Day
Georgia marks Constitution Day on August 24, commemorating the adoption of the country’s supreme law in 1995.
23 August 2026, 16:17
Politics
Georgian Central Election Commission Chair: Kazakhstan’s election process characterized by high-quality administration, voter awareness
Giorgi Kalandarishvili, Chair of Georgia’s Central Election Commission (CEC), who is currently observing Kazakhstan’s parliamentary elections, said on Sunday that the voting process has been orderly, well-administered, and marked by a high level of voter awareness, with services provided to voters at a notably high standard.
23 August 2026, 11:21
Economy
Digital permit system for Georgia-Uzbekistan international freight transport launched
The Land Transport Agency of the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia on Saturday launched a digital system for issuing and exchanging permit documents for international road freight transportation between Georgia and Uzbekistan, enabling carriers to use fully electronic permits.
21 August 2026, 21:40
Politics
Georgian Parliament official accuses domestic opposition of prioritising international agendas over national interests
Irakli Kadagishvili, the Chair of the Georgian Parliament’s Regional Policy and Self-Government Committee, on Friday accused the opposition of putting international political agendas ahead of Georgia’s national interests, recalling statements made after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
21 August 2026, 18:40
Foreign policy
Ukrainian Chargé d’Affaires praises Georgia’s nationwide support for war-displaced families
Dmytro Berezhnyi, Chargé d’Affaires of Ukraine in Georgia, said on Friday that during the first and most challenging months of Russia’s full-scale invasion, thousands of Ukrainian families who sought refuge in Georgia received free accommodation, material assistance, and, above all, compassion and support. He added that, for many Ukrainians, Georgia has become a country they regard as a second home.
21 August 2026, 14:56
Foreign policy
Georgian State Security Service Chief, Armenian Foreign Intelligence Service Head discuss cooperation
Strong and friendly relations between Georgia and Armenia, as well as prospects for further deepening ties were discussed on Friday in a meeting between Georgian State Security Service Head Geka Geladze and Head of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Armenia, Kristinne Grigoryan.
21 August 2026, 14:00
Justice
Police foil attempt to distribute nearly 4 kilograms of Alpha-PVP in Georgia
Officers of the Tbilisi Police Department on Friday prevented the distribution of a particularly large quantity of narcotics - nearly four kilograms of Alpha-PVP - following a complex anti-drug police operation.