Georgian Police detain 44 individuals linked to criminal underworld

Georgian law enforcement officers on Tuesday detained 44 individuals linked to the so-called criminal underworld, with charges to be filed in absentia against six others, including a “thief in law” living abroad.

Georgian deputy minister of internal affairs Aleksandre Darakhvelidze on Tuesday explained that ongoing covert investigations identified the detainees’ activities, including coordinating with the so-called “thief in law” Mamuka Shubitidze.

“Over the past 24 hours, as a result of another successful police operation carried out nationwide by law enforcement officers, 44 individuals connected to the ‘thieves’ world’ have been arrested on the basis of a court order. Charges will be brought in absentia against six more persons, including one so-called ‘thief in law’ who is currently abroad. As a result of intensive covert investigative actions conducted by law enforcement, it was established that the persons charged with criminal offences were organising so-called ‘thieves’ resolutions’ and issuing so-called ‘thieves’ decisions’”, he said.

According to authorities, Shubitidze made decisions on disputes for personal gain and demanded payments under threat of violence or even murder.

“The detainees were in contact with representatives of the thieves’ world, including the so-called ‘thief in law’ Mamuka Shubitidze, who, for the purpose of personal gain and in accordance with so-called ‘thieves’ rules,’ was making decisions on financial and other criminal disputes between citizens. Afterwards, he would impose payments on the parties. In case of violation of specific deadlines, he would threaten them with physical violence or even murder”, he continued.

Investigators also determined that the arrested individuals provided information about people in Tbilisi and the Kakheti region, which was later used for extortion under the criminal organisation’s rules.

“The investigation also determined that the accused periodically provided the so-called ‘thief in law’ with information about individuals living in Tbilisi and the Kakheti region, from whom it would later be possible to extract material benefits and extort money in the name of the ‘thieves’ world’”, Darakhvelidze said.

Law enforcement seized vehicles, firearms, ammunition, mobile phones, and computer equipment used to coordinate the criminal activities.

“As a result of the operational measures carried out, a vehicle, firearms and ammunition, as well as the mobile phones and computer equipment of the accused, were seized as evidence. These devices were used to communicate with each other and with the so-called Georgian ‘thief in law’ living abroad”, Darakhvelidze said.

The investigation is underway under several articles of the Criminal Code of Georgia related to organised crime, which carry a sentence of up to 15 years in prison.

He further emphasised that combating organised crime remains a top priority to protect public safety.

“To ensure maximum security and public order in the country, we will continue active efforts against organised crime in the future as well. The primary goal of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia is to protect the safety of every citizen”, Darakhvelidze concluded.