Georgian State Security Service arrests 3 citizens for ties to foreign terror group

The Georgian State Security Service’s Counterterrorism Centre on Monday carried out a series of coordinated operations in the Adjara region, targeting suspected involvement in a foreign terrorist organisation and assistance in terrorist activities.

Under a court order, special operations were conducted simultaneously at five separate locations. As a result, three Georgian citizens have been detained.

The Counterterrorism Center stated that evidence obtained through operational, investigative, and search measures revealed specific terrorist activities. Members of the so-called “Takfirist” group, radicalised by extremist ideology, were found to have connections with influential foreign leaders of the terrorist organisation known as the Islamic State.

Acting on instructions from these leaders, the group had established a radical extremist organisation with the intention of carrying out future terrorist objectives. The group was noted for exhibiting particular aggression toward followers of other religions.

According to the investigation, the group planned to facilitate the illegal entry of influential Islamic State members into Georgia and, under their leadership, establish safe havens. This network would provide logistical support, illegal accommodation, and use Georgian territory as a transit point for terrorist activities.

During early-morning investigative actions, authorities seized items bearing terrorist symbols, explosives, large quantities of ammunition, firearms, military equipment, mobile phones, electronic storage devices, significant sums of cash in various currencies, and other evidence relevant to the case.

The investigation is ongoing under Articles 236 and 328 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which cover illegal acquisition and possession of firearms, ammunition, and explosives, as well as membership in a foreign terrorist organization and assistance in terrorist activities. Conviction under these provisions carries a sentence of up to 17 years in prison.