The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) says it has arrested 27 people for alleged links to the criminal underworld, while six others have been charged, including one alleged “thief in law” who is currently abroad.
The ministry said the defendants face up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
Speaking at a briefing on July 28, the MIA said the arrests were carried out over the previous 24 hours.
The ministry claims the suspects acted on the instructions of alleged “thief in law” Mamuka Chkhaberidze, who is outside Georgia.
“They systematically communicated with each other and organized so-called thieves’ meetings, where decisions were made in accordance with thieves’ traditions,” the MIA said.
The ministry alleges the group settled financial disputes between individuals, ordering one party to pay money to another as well as to members of the group. According to the MIA, those who failed to comply with the imposed deadlines were threatened with physical violence or death.
The MIA said searches led to the seizure of computer equipment and mobile phones allegedly used to communicate with one another and with Chkhaberidze, as well as various firearms and ammunition.
The investigation is underway under Articles 223¹, 223³, 223⁴ and 236 of the Criminal Code of Georgia. The offenses carry a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.
The MIA also said that since January 1, 2026, 343 people have been arrested and charged over alleged links to the “criminal world,” including eight alleged “thieves in law.”
