Employees of Kvemo Kartli Police Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs along with Rustavi District Division of Kvemo Kartli Regional Prosecutor’s Office, as a result of jointly conducted complex operative and investigative activities held for six months in Rustavi, Tbilisi, Gori, Kareli, Khoni, Ambrolauri, Bolnisi, Tetritskaro, Dmanisi, Lagodekhi and Gardabani, detained 25 people for: membership of the “Thieves World”, supporting activities of the “Thieves World” and appealing to the “Thief- in- Law”. For the same chargeas 4 people will be charged additionally who are currently placed at penitentiary facilities.

As a result of the special police activities the following individuals are detained: G.V. Bo(DoB 1991) S.T. (Nicknamed “Butcher”, DoB 1987) B.Kh. (DoB 1988), A.A. (DoB 1995), M.Ch. (DoB 1989), T.T. (Nicknamed “Chizhika” DoB 1990), A.M. (Nicknamed “Pepper”, DoB 1998) A.Sh. (DoB 1994), A.Sh. (DoB 1999) M.F. (DoB 1995) L.T. (DoB 1992) G.B. (DoB 1993) , S.M. (DoB 1993), L.V. (DoB 1986), Z.G. (DoB 1985) L.G. (DoB 1967) Sh.L. (DoB 1984) G.V. (Nicknamed “Mghvdelovich”, DoB 1988), A.A. (Nicknamed “Botte” DoB 1990), N.I. (DoB 1999), T.N. (DoB 1992), B.A. (DoB1971), G.J. (Nicknamed “Khortuma”, DoB 1979), G.Ch. (Nicknamed “Rizha”, DoB 1985) and A.J. (DoB 1991).

Charges were brought against four individuals at the penitentiary facility: G.Kh. (DoB 1997, nicknamed “Matsaki”), Z.K., (DoB 1974), G.R., (DoB 1994) and Z.A., (DoB 1990).

Based on the evidence obtained by the law enforcers, two more persons faced charges. At this moment, search activities are held against T.Ch., (DoB 1992), and I.G. (DoB1987).

As a result of a complex investigation it was established that the mentioned individuals recognized the so called “thieves’ world” and were actively involved in various criminal activities. They systematically participated in the so called “Criminal Skirmishes” referring to the evaluation of a specific individual’s actions, dispute resolution, status change and discussion of issues related to the activities of the “thieves’ world” by which attempted to gain personal financial benefits, criminal influence and power.

The mentioned persons with previous convictions had arranged special space where they conducted criminal skirmishes, organized and plotted plans for committing various crimes. The investigation has ascertained that the accused persons had connections with 9 thieves-in-law residing abroad, including: Kakha Shushanashvili, Shota Asatiani, Namik Salipov, Luka Asanidze, Paata Bakradze, Davit Kurasbediani and other so-called “Thieves- in-Law”.

Up to 100 citizens have been affected as a result of the criminal actions perpetrated by the accused persons.

The committed crime envisages from 7 to 10 years of imprisonment.

As a result of their personal search and search activities held in detainees’ residential premises, law enforcers seized: mobile phones, computer equipment, drugs and luxury car.

Investigation is in progress under articles 223(1), I and II parts, 223 (3) and 223 (4) envisaged by the Criminal Code of Georgia.