Georgia’s State Security Service (SSS) has opened a criminal investigation after the brief publication of a government decree related to a gas contract with Gazprom on the website of the Government Administration.
The SSS stated that the inquiry was initiated after the Government Administration reported signs of a suspected cyberattack on its official platform. Authorities believe the incident involved unauthorized interference and manipulation of online content, allegedly intended to disseminate misleading information and damage Georgia’s state interests, including by creating political and economic risks.
The document, dated December 25, contained sensitive contractual details concerning gas supply arrangements between Georgia and Gazprom. Shortly after it appeared online, the information was picked up by several media outlets and circulated widely on social networks before being removed.
The State Security Service stated that it responded promptly to the incident and urged media organizations and individuals to refrain from further sharing of the material while the investigation is ongoing.
The case is being investigated under Articles 318 (sabotage) and 284 (unauthorized access to a computer system) of Georgia’s Criminal Code.
