The Counter-Terrorism Center of the State Security Service (SSS) has detained three Georgian citizens in connection with an investigation into joining a foreign terrorist organization and aiding terrorist activities. This was announced by Lasha Maghradze, Deputy Head of the SSS, during a briefing held at the SSS today.
“The Counter-Terrorism Center of the State Security Service, as part of the investigation into joining a foreign terrorist organization and aiding terrorist activities, conducted a special operation simultaneously at five different locations in the Adjara region based on a court ruling. As a result, three Georgian citizens were detained.
Based on evidence obtained through operational/search and investigative actions conducted by the Counter-Terrorism Center, certain terrorist activities were identified. Members of the so-called ‘Takfiri’ community, shaped by terrorist ideology, had connections with influential leaders of the terrorist organization ‘Islamic State’ in a foreign country. Under their instructions and for future terrorist objectives, they formed a radical-extremist group within the community. They distinguished themselves with particular aggression toward followers of other religions.
According to information in the case, members of the aforementioned group planned the illegal entry of influential members of the terrorist organization ‘Islamic State’ into Georgia and the establishment of a certain base under their leadership, ensuring the illegal sheltering/housing of like-minded individuals, provision of logistical services, and use of Georgia’s territory as a transit point for terrorist purposes.
As a result of investigative actions conducted this morning at dawn, items depicting terrorist symbolism, explosive substances, a large quantity of combat materials and firearms, military equipment, mobile phones, and other electronic devices containing information, as well as particularly large amounts of various currencies and other evidence significant for the investigation, were seized.
The investigation is ongoing under Articles 236 and 328 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which pertain to the illegal acquisition and storage of firearms, combat materials, and explosive substances, joining a foreign terrorist organization, and aiding terrorist activities. The crime carries a penalty of up to 17 years of imprisonment,” stated Lasha Maghradze.
State Security Service: Three Georgian citizens detained for joining foreign terrorist organization and aiding terrorist activities
