The State Security Service of Georgia has arrested a high-ranking public official on espionage charges, accusing the individual of collecting and transferring sensitive information to a foreign intelligence service.
The announcement was made during a briefing by the agency, which said the arrest followed several months of intensive counterintelligence operations conducted by its Counterintelligence Department.
The State Security Service says evidence obtained through various investigative measures — including covert operations — indicates that the suspect, a Georgian citizen employed in a senior position within a state institution, acted against the country’s interests. Authorities allege the individual systematically gathered and passed on information to representatives of a foreign intelligence service, using their current position, previous roles and personal connections across government agencies.
Investigators say the suspect maintained “highly organized, conspiratorial and systematic” contact with a foreign intelligence operative. Meetings were reportedly arranged using encrypted communication channels and held at multiple locations under strict security protocols.
“The transfer of information was carried out both through in-person meetings and electronic means,” the agency said, adding that the materials allegedly shared included various categories of classified data. This information is said to have covered political and economic developments in Georgia, the situation within law enforcement and security structures, as well as details related to ethnic and religious minorities, among other topics of interest to the foreign service.
Authorities further claim that, on instructions from the foreign intelligence representative, the suspect was also working on creating information platforms aimed at recruiting media representatives. These platforms were allegedly intended to facilitate the collection of intelligence, including on countries in the wider region.
The State Security Service said the suspect acted in exchange for financial gain.
An investigation has been launched under Article 314, Part 1 of Georgia’s Criminal Code, which pertains to espionage and carries a prison sentence of between eight and 12 years if convicted.
