Two Foreign Nationals Arrested for Fraud; Charges Filed Against a Third Individual in Absentia

Officers from the Anti-Fraud Division and the Main Detective Division of the Tbilisi Police Department (under the Ministry of Internal Affairs) have arrested two foreign nationals on charges of fraudulently obtaining a large sum of money as part of a group. Charges have also been filed against a third individual in absentia. The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) released this information.

According to the agency, the investigation revealed that the accused devised various criminal schemes for the purpose of fraudulently obtaining large sums of money.

Specifically, the accused promised a foreign national that they would develop an innovative program and share the profits generated once it was launched; through this deception, they obtained $150,000 USD belonging to the victim. Furthermore, the accused deceived a representative of a company operating in a foreign country, convincing them that, in exchange for 40,000 euros, they would create an advertising website for the company and ensure it ranked within the top ten results on search engines.

After receiving the funds, the accused ceased all communication with the victim and fraudulently appropriated the 40,000 euros.

Law enforcement officers arrested two individuals based on a judicial warrant, while a third individual was charged in absentia.

The investigation is being conducted under Article 180 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which carries a penalty of up to nine years of imprisonment.