Three members of foreign criminal network arrested in Georgia for illegal firearms trafficking

Georgian State Security Service on Wednesday arrested three foreign nationals on charges of illegally selling firearms and ammunition.

According to the Security Service, the investigation found the suspects were members of a major foreign criminal network that had been illegally importing firearms and ammunition into Georgia for distribution. Officers from the State Security Department arrested them in Tbilisi while they were allegedly committing the crime.

“Searches of the suspects, their vehicle and temporary residence resulted in the seizure of illegal firearms prepared for sale, ammunition, a suspected narcotic substance and electronic devices as evidence”, the Service said.

“A preliminary examination of the electronic devices reportedly uncovered photo and video materials documenting various criminal activities, including the sale of particularly large quantities of narcotic drugs. The seized evidence has been sent for forensic examination”, the statement continued.

The Security Service added that the investigation was continuing to identify, locate and prosecute other individuals involved in the international criminal network.

The case is being investigated under Part 5 of Article 236 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which carries a prison sentence of up to nine years.