The Prosecutor’s Office has brought charges against 10 individuals in the major “call-center case,” including former Prosecutor General Otar Partskhaladze and journalist Eliso Kiladze. Investigators say the organized group defrauded over 200 foreign nationals, obtaining around $9.5 million in cryptocurrency and cash through fraudulent investment platforms.
According to the investigation, the criminal scheme operated between 2020 and 2023, despite the state’s declared efforts to fight fraudulent call centers. Authorities allege that dozens of such centers functioned during this period, with most belonging to a group that directed part of their income to opposition media. A smaller share was allegedly protected by Partskhaladze and the head of the State Security Service, Grigol Liluashvili, through their associates. Kiladze is accused of providing media support to legitimize the group’s operations and of pressuring rival call centers by publicly revealing information about them.
The prosecution states that the group ran multiple multilingual call centers in Tbilisi, luring victims onto fake trading platforms and illegally seizing their funds. Illicit proceeds were allegedly laundered through crypto wallets, fragmented transactions, and the purchase of real estate and other assets. While some suspects - Givi Jibladze, Ben Anor, Thornike Janelidze, and Giorgi Kamladze - cooperated with investigators and admitted their involvement, others, including Partskhaladze and his associates, remain at large and were charged in absentia.
Charges were formally filed under Articles 180 and 194 of the Criminal Code, carrying 9–12 years in prison. Prosecutors will request pretrial detention for Kiladze and other key suspects, while those who cooperated may face bail. The investigation continues, with authorities seeking additional suspects, victims, and evidence connected to the transnational fraud scheme.
