Georgian police detain 45 in major operation targeting criminal underworld

Law enforcement officers on Tuesday arrested 45 individuals linked to the so-called criminal underworld across Tbilisi and several regions of Georgia.

Speaking at a briefing, Tbilisi Police Department Director Vazha Siradze stated that an additional 15 individuals would be charged, including three so-called “thieves-in-law”, with some of the charges being filed in absentia.

“As a result of intensive covert investigative measures conducted by law enforcement officers on the basis of a court order, it was established that so-called criminal arbitrations were being organized with the participation of individuals accused of criminal offenses and disputing parties. These arbitrations involved thieves-in-law currently residing abroad - Sulkhan Japaridze (Tvalchrelidze), known by the nickname Sukho, and Petre Bakradze, known as Paata Tbiliski”, he said.

They were involved in resolving financial disputes between citizens and, in accordance with so-called criminal traditions, made decisions in favor of one of the parties.

“The investigation also established that the so-called thief-in-law Revaz Ubilava, known by the nickname Jvarski, with the assistance of his family members - his mother and brother - organized criminal arbitrations and issued so-called criminal decisions. Police arrested both of them along with other individuals”, Siradze said.

“As a result of searches of the defendants’ personal belongings and residences, law enforcement officers seized computer equipment and mobile phones as evidence, which were used to communicate with each other and with criminal authorities and so-called ‘thieves-in-law’ residing abroad. Police also seized various types of narcotic substances”, he noted.

Siradze further added that the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia considers the systemic fight against organized crime - especially criminal activity linked to the so-called criminal underworld - to be a top priority.

“In order to ensure maximum protection of public order and security, all individuals who commit criminal acts will be punished with the full severity of the law. Our main objective is to protect the safety of every citizen”, Siradze concluded.