Georgian citizen detained on espionage charges - Georgian State Security Service reports

The counterintelligence department of Georgia’s state security service has detained a Georgian citizen on charges of espionage.

According to Lasha Maghradze, the first deputy head of the service, the arrest follows several months of intensive counterintelligence operations.

He stated that evidence gathered through various investigative measures, including covert methods, indicates that a public official working in a senior position within a state agency was systematically collecting and transferring information in favour of a foreign intelligence service, acting against Georgia’s national interests.

Authorities allege that the suspect used his current position, previous official roles, and personal connections across different government institutions to obtain and pass on sensitive information. The detainee is also accused of maintaining highly organised and covert communications with a representative of a foreign intelligence service. These contacts were reportedly conducted through encrypted channels and arranged meetings at different locations under strict secrecy conditions. Information transfer allegedly occurred both in person and via electronic means.

The state security service stated that the shared data included classified information related to Georgia’s political and economic developments, the situation within law enforcement and security agencies, as well as details concerning ethnic and religious minority groups, among other intelligence interests of the foreign service.

Investigators further claim that, on instructions from the foreign intelligence representative, the suspect was also involved in developing information platforms aimed at recruiting media professionals and creating a network for intelligence gathering, including in relation to countries in the region.

The service added that the alleged activities were carried out in exchange for financial gain.