Joint Georgian-Spanish operation leads to arrest of organized crime group members in Spain

Three Georgian citizens suspected of being members of an organized criminal group have been arrested in Valencia, Spain, following an intensive joint investigation conducted by Georgian and Spanish law enforcement authorities, according to Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The Ministry said that police operations are actively continuing to locate and arrest a fourth suspected member of the group.

A Georgian police attaché participated in the operation alongside Spanish law enforcement officers.

The detainees are accused of residential burglary, money laundering, and membership in an organized criminal group.

According to the investigation, the suspects systematically targeted residential properties across Spain. Investigators found that the group selected homes whose owners were away, illegally entered the properties using specialized tools, and stole valuables and cash.

Searches carried out by law enforcement officers at the suspects’ temporary residences, vehicles, and personal belongings led to the seizure of stolen property, large amounts of cash, and specialized tools allegedly used to commit the crimes.

Authorities said that all necessary legal procedures are being carried out against the detainees in accordance with the law.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia noted that, in an effort to effectively combat international organized crime, it continues to actively cooperate with law enforcement agencies of European Union member states, as well as with Interpol and Europol, through Georgian police attachés stationed across Europe.