The employees of the Central Criminal Police of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Tbilisi Police Department, along with the Prosecutor General’s Office, have detained 44 individuals connected with the so called “criminal world” over the past 24 hours, based on a judge’s ruling, as a result of complex operational measures and procedural actions carried out throughout the country. The relevant statement made today the Director of the Central Criminal Police Department.

“Another 7 people have been charged – some in a penitentiary institution, others in absentia, including two so-called thieves in law who are currently abroad.

As a result of covert investigative actions conducted by law enforcement officers based on a judge’s ruling, it was established that the persons accused of a criminal offense were organizing so-called thieves’ meetings and issuing so-called thieves’ decisions.

The detainees were connected with representatives of the criminal world, including the so-called Thieves in law – Levan Marghia and Nodar Shukakidze, who, for their own personal benefit, in accordance with the so-called thieves' rules, made decisions on financial and criminal disputes between citizens, after which the parties were required to pay a certain amount of cash. In case of violation of specific deadlines, they were threatened with physical punishment and death.

As a result of the investigative actions carried out by law enforcement officers, it was also established that members of the criminal group, according to a pre-developed plan, traveled in vehicles in different districts of Tbilisi, selected specific individuals and, against their will, activated loans through the Internet bank, after which they illegally obtained a large amount of money by transferring to their own account.

The investigation also established that the defendants periodically provided „Thieves in Law” with information on individuals residing in Tbilisi from whom it would be possible to receive material benefits and extort money in the name of the “thieves’ world”. As a result of the search conducted by law enforcement officers, the defendants’ mobile phones and computer equipment were seized as evidence, through which they communicated with each other and with the so-called “Thieves in law” residing abroad. As a result of the investigative actions, the police also seized firearms.

The investigation is underway under Articles 223-1, 223-3, 223-4, 236 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, envisioning the imprisonment for a term of up to 15 years.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs continues its active fight against organized crime, including against individuals involved in criminal activities related to the so-called “Thieves’ world” To ensure the rule of law and the safety of each citizen in the country. Any person who engages in criminal activity, violates the law, or facilitates criminal activity will be held accountable to the full extent of the law”.