The State Security Service of Georgia (SSG) announced the discovery of a large cache of firearms, ammunition, and explosives with a detonator, allegedly purchased under the instruction of a Georgian representative of a Ukrainian military unit.
SSG says the weapons were intended to be used for sabotage in Tbilisi on October 4, in parallel with an organized attempt at mass violence and the seizure of the Presidential Palace.
The Service stated that a Georgian citizen identified as B.Ch. acquired the arms and explosives, while another individual manufactured a detonator control device on his request. This individual has already been brought to the SSG for questioning.
Preventive operations reportedly neutralized a group that was preparing to transfer the explosives into central Tbilisi. The cache was found hidden in a forest area near the capital.
During a search of B.Ch.’s residence, investigators seized his mobile phone, which contained several video recordings showing him displaying the weapons and ammunition, allegedly reporting back to another, as yet unidentified, person.
The SSG said B.Ch. will be prosecuted and declared wanted. The investigation is ongoing under Article 236 (3) of the Criminal Code of Georgia, with further efforts underway to identify and detain other individuals linked to the plot.
In its statement, the SSG thanked the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Prosecutor’s Office, and the Special State Protection Service for their assistance, and expressed “special gratitude” to its own officers for their courage and professionalism in averting the threat.