The Ministry of Internal Affairs detained 20 individuals linked to the “thieves’ world.” This was announced by the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Alexandre Darakhvelidze, during a briefing.

As he noted, charges were filed in absentia against four individuals, two of whom are “thieves-in-law.”

According to Darakhvelidze’s explanation, the investigation revealed that the accused individuals were involved in resolving financial disputes between citizens for personal gain.

The Ministry’s investigation also established that so-called “thieves’ gatherings” were organized on the territories of Georgia and Turkey, involving the accused and the disputing parties.

“Employees of the Central Criminal Police Department’s Main Division for Combating Organized Crime, together with the Imereti and Kakheti Police Departments and the General Prosecutor’s Office, conducted complex operational and investigative actions. As a result, based on a judge’s ruling, 20 individuals were detained in Tbilisi, Shida Kartli, Adjara, Guria, Imereti, and Kakheti, while charges were filed in absentia against four individuals, including two ‘thieves-in-law.’

The following individuals were detained on charges of ‘membership in the thieves’ world,’ ‘supporting the activities of the thieves’ world,’ ‘appealing to a thief-in-law,’ and ‘appealing to a member of the thieves’ world’: G.D., born in 1984, nicknamed ‘Kokoshka’; G.M., born in 1984, nicknamed ‘Farexela’; G.G., born in 1973, nicknamed ‘Utsklo’; T.G., born in 1997, nicknamed ‘Belesha’; G.K., born in 1968, nicknamed ‘Jaga’; G.Z., born in 1998, nicknamed ‘Chinela’; I.D., born in 1985, nicknamed ‘Stalina’; L.K., born in 2006, nicknamed ‘Fokhre’; M.M., born in 1998; N.I., born in 1984; T.M., born in 1999; G.G., born in 2000; I.B., born in 1995; A.R., born in 1972; M.Z., born in 1966; Z.Z., born in 1969; M.Ch., born in 1959; I.K., born in 1980; M.M., born in 1982; and V.L., born in 1974.

As for Tengiz Khopheria, born in 1970, nicknamed ‘Chinka,’ and Irakli Lezhava, nicknamed ‘Lazare,’ both residing abroad, they were charged in absentia with ‘thief-in-law’ status. M.B., born in 1981, was charged with ‘membership in the thieves’ world,’ and E.M., born in 1993, who is wanted by Interpol, was charged with ‘membership in the thieves’ world’ and extortion.

The crimes carry a penalty of up to 15 years of imprisonment.

As a result of intensive covert investigative actions conducted by law enforcement based on a judge’s ruling, it was established that the accused individuals, for personal gain, were involved in resolving financial disputes between citizens.

The investigation also established that so-called ‘thieves’ gatherings’ were organized on the territories of Georgia and Turkey, involving the accused and the disputing parties, with the participation of ‘thieves-in-law’ residing abroad, Tengiz Khopheria, nicknamed ‘Chinka,’ and Irakli Lezhava, nicknamed ‘Lazare.’ It was determined that the accused made decisions in accordance with so-called ‘thieves’ traditions,’ obligating one of the disputing parties to pay money to the other and to themselves. In cases of non-compliance with specific deadlines, they threatened physical violence and death.

During searches of the accused’s personal and residential premises, the police seized computer equipment and mobile phones used to communicate with each other and with criminal authorities and ‘thieves-in-law’ abroad as evidence.

As a result of investigative actions, the police also seized various types of narcotic substances and firearms.

The investigation is ongoing under Article 223, Part 1; Article 223, Part 2; Article 223-ter, Part 2; Article 223-quater, Part 1; and Article 181, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, concerning ‘thief-in-law’ status, ‘membership in the thieves’ world,’ ‘supporting the activities of the thieves’ world,’ ‘appealing to a member of the thieves’ world,’ and extortion,” Darakhvelidze stated.