Thirteen individuals, including seven minors, have been detained in Tbilisi as part of a large-scale police operation targeting neo-Nazi groupings, the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) announced.
At a briefing, Head of the Tbilisi Police Department Vazha Siradze said the detainees were affiliated with various radical groups promoting fascist ideology and had carried out acts of extreme violence against victims of different ages.
The investigation says the suspects subjected victims to severe physical and psychological abuse, often using blunt and sharp objects, including batons and knuckledusters. Law enforcement stated that the groups deliberately targeted individuals who did not share their ideology.
Authorities also reported that during attacks, victims were robbed and extorted. In several cases, members of the groups filmed acts of violence, torture, and degrading treatment using mobile phones and then distributed the footage on online platforms to gain notoriety and expand their influence.
The investigation further revealed that internal disputes between rival neo-Nazi factions also led to violent clashes among the groups themselves.
Nearly ten individuals have been officially recognized as victims in the case, including two minors.
As part of the operation, police seized firearms, signal weapons, bladed weapons, items bearing Nazi symbols, mobile phones, masks, and other electronic equipment from suspects’ homes and personal belongings.
In addition, four individuals already serving prison sentences for similar crimes will face new charges for organizing and participating in group violence, based on newly uncovered evidence.
The case is being investigated under multiple articles of the Criminal Code, including charges related to torture of a minor by a group, illegal possession of firearms, organized violence, robbery, and extortion — offences punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
The MIA noted that several leaders of radical fascist groups, along with 24 additional members, had already been detained in previous operations and remain in custody.
Authorities say the crackdown on violent extremist groups is ongoing and have urged the public to report any suspected criminal activity, particularly cases involving minors or the spread of extremist ideology.
