Employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia continue to continuously fight against organized crime and especially criminal activities related to the so-called “Thieves world”.

“Over the past 24 hours, as a result of another successful police operation conducted by law enforcement officers across the country, 44 people connected to the “Thieves world” have been arrested based on a judge’s ruling. 6 more people will be charged in absentia, including one who is a so-called thief in law residing abroad.

As a result of intensive undercover investigative actions conducted by law enforcement officers, it was established that the individuals accused of criminal offenses were organizing criminal skirmishes and making so-called “thieves’ decisions”.

The detainees were connected to representatives of the criminal world, including the so-called “thief in law” Mamuka Shubitidze, who, in order to obtain personal gain, made decisions on financial and other criminal disputes between citizens in accordance with the so-called “thieves’ rules,” after which he imposed financial sancions on the parties. In case of violating of specific deadlines, he threatened them with physical punishment and death.

The investigation also established that the accused persons were involved in providing the so-called “ Thief in law” with information on those living in Tbilisi and the Kakheti region, from whom it would be possible to receive material benefits and extort money in the future, in the name of the “thieves’ world”.

As a result of the operational measures taken, a vehicle, firearms and ammunition, as well as the defendants’ mobile phones and computer equipment, through which they communicated with each other and with the Georgian so-called “thief in law” residing abroad, were seized as evidence.

The investigation is underway under Articles 181, 223 (1), 223 (3) and 223 (4) of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which envisions the imprisonment for a term of up to 15 years.

In order to ensure the ultimate security and public order in the country, we will continue to actively fight against organized crime in the future. The main goal of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia is to protect the security of each Georgian citizen”, - said the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Aleksandre Darakhvelidze.