Georgian State Security Service Head: foreign intel agencies sought political ties in 2024

Anri Okhanashvili, the Head of the Georgian State Security Service, on Tuesday presented the agency’s 2024 activity report at a plenary session of the Parliament, highlighting that foreign intelligence services actively sought to establish connections with various political groups and their leaders in Georgia to advance their countries’ interests.

In his address, Okhanashvili noted that within the framework of the so-called “soft power” policies, efforts had intensified in regions populated by ethnic and religious minorities to strengthen influence and positions.

He further mentioned increased activity by certain groups linked to foreign intelligence services, aiming to spread separatist and nationalist ideologies and foster related sentiments.

“The Service continuously monitored these processes and maintained operational control of the situation. Political and religious figures, as well as actors involved in inciting nationalist and separatist sentiments, were identified, and appropriate measures were taken to prevent and counter undesirable developments for the country’s interests”, the official said.

“I want to draw attention to the alarming fact that, in 2024, one of the foreign actors’ key priorities was to intensify their work with Georgia’s youth. Their goal was to shape a new generation loyal to foreign countries and aligned with their national and societal values”, he noted.

Okhanashvili added that the Service had implemented intensive measures to detect and prevent the destructive activities of foreign intelligence agencies and state or non-governmental organisations targeting Georgia’s youth segment.