Police Arrest 44 in Crackdown on ‘Thieves’ World’
44 individuals were arrested during a nationwide crackdown on the criminal underworld – so-called “thieves’ world” – following “yet another successful police operation,” Georgian Dream Deputy Interior Minister Aleksandre Darakhvelidze announced at an April 7 briefing.
According to Darakhvelidze, six additional individuals will be charged in absentia, including one “thief-in-law” – a term denoting a criminal boss – who is currently abroad.
“As a result of covert investigative actions carried out intensively by law enforcement officers, it was established that the individuals accused of criminal offenses were organizing so-called ‘thieves’ trials’ and issuing so-called ‘thieves’ rulings,’” he said.
The GD deputy interior minister said the detainees were in contact with representatives of the criminal underworld, including Mamuka Shubitidze – a so-called “thief-in-law” – who, “for personal gain,” made decisions on financial and criminal disputes and imposed payments. “In cases of failure to meet deadlines, he threatened them with physical retaliation and death,” Darakhvelidze said, noting that the accused also provided information on individuals for potential extortion to the thief-in-law.
He added that authorities seized a vehicle, firearms, ammunition, mobile phones, and computer equipment as evidence, which the suspects used to communicate with each other and with a Georgian so-called “thief-in-law” abroad.
The arrests follow similar operations in recent months, including one in March that resulted in 72 arrests, one in February with 45 arrests, a December operation with 49 arrests, and a November raid in which 34 individuals were detained and one suspect died.
Also Read:
- 05/09/2025 – Police Detain 30 Over Links with ‘Thieves’ World’
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- 19/08/2025 – Police Arrest 37 Across Georgia in Three Days Over Firearms, Ammunition