The parliamentary faction of the "Gakharia for Georgia" party is calling for the addition of specific articles to the Criminal Code to address the operations of "call centers"
The parliamentary faction of the "Gakharia for Georgia" party is introducing a bill to add new articles to the Criminal Code aimed at countering the activities of "call centers."
As stated by party MP Sopho Khorguani, the initiative proposes the addition of Articles 180¹ (180-prima) and 211¹ (211-prima) to the Criminal Code, along with corresponding amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code.
According to Khorguani, the operations of "call centers" have evolved into a form of transnational crime in recent years, causing significant damage to Georgia’s international reputation and resulting in particularly severe consequences for elderly individuals.
The activities of these "call centers" constitute a particularly abhorrent and immoral crime. It is an operation that robs the elderly—not only within Georgia but in other countries as well. "This crime has taken on a transnational character and has caused significant reputational damage to our state," stated Khorguani.
He further explained that the bill aims to establish liability not only for those directly involved in the criminal activity but also for its organizers, those who recruit young people, and those who facilitate or shield such actions.
According to the MP, the existence of specific criminal provisions may encourage young people to refrain from such activities, as they might not fully grasp the criminal nature of their involvement.
"We must save our youth—save them from becoming involved in this immoral activity. Many of them may not even realize that this constitutes a very serious crime. To ensure that young people refrain from participating in such activities in the future, it is essential to have a distinct provision in the Criminal Code.
Most importantly, this applies not only to those directly involved but also to the organizers—those who recruit young people and draw them into this enterprise." "Enablers and protectors—all of them must be held criminally liable," says Khorguani.
Khorguani urged the "Georgian Dream" government to support the bill, thereby demonstrating a genuine intent to combat the criminal activities of "call centers."
"If they truly wish to put an end to the operations of these 'call centers,' then they should step up and support this bill," stated Sopho Khorguani.