TBILISI, October 4 – Georgian authorities have charged 94 people in a major organized-crime case targeting the country’s so-called “thieves-in-law” underworld network.
Police said 80 people were arrested during raids in Tbilisi and several regions over a 24-hour period. Another 14 were to be charged either in prison or in absentia, including one alleged “thief-in-law” living abroad.
The Interior Ministry identified the alleged crime boss as Giorgi Gogoladze and said members of his circle operated under his name and protection. According to investigators, they repeatedly organized informal criminal arbitration meetings and settled disputes according to the rules of the criminal underworld.
Authorities allege that the group handled financial disputes between private individuals and ordered one side to pay money to the other side or to members of the network. Those who refused to comply or missed deadlines were allegedly threatened with physical violence or death.
Police said searches of suspects, homes and vehicles produced computer equipment and mobile phones allegedly used to communicate with each other and with the alleged crime boss abroad. Officers also seized firearms, money and drugs.
Later on Saturday, the Prosecutor General’s Office said charges had been formally brought against 94 people. The charges include alleged membership in or support for the criminal underworld, appealing to a “thief-in-law” or underworld member to settle disputes, and firearms offenses.
Prosecutors said 80 suspects had been detained in locations including Telavi, Gurjaani, Dedoplistskaro, Tbilisi, Rustavi, Mtskheta, Kaspi, Kutaisi, Samtredia, Lentekhi, Guria, Kobuleti, Batumi and Khelvachauri. Seven people were charged in absentia and seven others were charged while already in prison.
The offenses carry possible prison sentences of up to 15 years. Prosecutors said they would ask courts to place the accused in pre-trial detention.
