Georgian Vice PM: Georgia’s security services capable of uncovering and dismantling spy networks

Georgian Vice Prime Minister and State Minister for Coordination of Law Enforcement Agencies Mamuka Mdinaradze on Monday extended his gratitude to the State Security Service and its Counterintelligence Department for a series of highly successful operations conducted over recent days.

Speaking at a press briefing at the Government Administration, Mdinaradze emphasised the complexity of the operation, noting that uncovering active spy networks and apprehending their members requires a level of operational and investigative expertise that often poses a challenge even for much larger and more powerful nations.

During the briefing, the Vice Prime Minister provided key details regarding the two individuals recently detained on espionage charges.

“As you know, of the two individuals arrested by the State Security Service on espionage charges, one is accused of gathering intelligence information for two different foreign nations. The second suspect is accused of espionage and of serving as a leader of the spy network, distributing funds and assignments among its members”, he said.

Mdinaradze revealed that the second suspect operated on behalf of the same foreign intelligence agency connected to a separate espionage arrest made a few weeks prior.

“Following the previous arrest, there was indeed positive communication between the respective services. However, it must be emphasised that two days ago, the State Security Service detained only those individuals who, despite warnings and prior arrests, failed to cease their hostile activities. We hope that this time, the relevant services and specific individuals will draw the correct conclusions”, he continued.

The Vice Prime Minister concluded by highlighting the growing capabilities of Georgia’s domestic security forces, framing the operation as a testament to national resilience.

“Everyone must know that today, the Georgian state, Georgian intelligence services, law enforcement, and our overall security system are strong enough to carry out unprecedented operations. Dismantling real spy networks and arresting their members belongs to a category of intelligence work that much stronger and larger states often struggle with”, Mdinaradze affirmed.