Georgia’s State Security Service has identified a minor suspected of making false reports of a terrorist attack near the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Tbilisi, following two anonymous calls received on March 22.
Based on an official statement, the calls were made to the Security Police Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs at approximately 2:30 p.m. The caller claimed to be in the vicinity of the Trinity Cathedral, armed with a firearm and having planted explosives on the territory. He warned that an explosion would be carried out within 20 minutes if evacuation did not take place.
Authorities say the individual attempted to conceal his identity by altering his voice using specialized software, employing a virtual phone number registered abroad, and masking his IP address.
Following comprehensive operational and investigative measures, law enforcement officials were able to identify the suspect later that same day. Investigators conducted searches and seized several mobile phones, laptops, and other items deemed important for the case.
The State Security Service confirmed that the minor has admitted to the crime.
He has been charged under Article 331 of Georgia’s Criminal Code, which pertains to making a false report about terrorism and carries a sentence of three to six years of imprisonment.
The agency emphasized that both the State Security Service and its Counter-Terrorism Center possess modern technical capabilities to detect and prevent such crimes. It also issued a warning that strict legal measures will be applied in all similar cases.
Officials noted that security and protection services around the Trinity Cathedral responded promptly, implementing measures that fully ruled out any real threat. Authorities also clarified that the public was not immediately warned about the calls in order to avoid panic, as the threat was assessed and managed in a timely manner.
Image: Netgazeti
