The Counter-Terrorism Centre of the State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG) arrested three Georgian citizens during a coordinated operation at five locations in Adjara, acting on a court order linked to an investigation into foreign terrorist organisation membership and aiding terrorist activity.
According to Lasha Maghradze, First Deputy Head of the SSSG, “based on evidence gathered through operational, investigative, and procedural measures undertaken by the Counter-Terrorism Centre, certain terrorist activities have been uncovered.”
“Members of the so-called Takfiri Jamaat, formed based on terrorist ideology, maintained links with influential leaders of the terrorist organisation ISIS operating abroad. Following their instructions and with the aim of future terrorist activity, they established a group grounded in radical-extremist principles, organised as a Jamaat. The group was characterised by notable hostility and aggression towards followers of other religions.
According to information in the case, members of the aforementioned group were planning to illegally bring influential members of the ISIS terrorist organisation into Georgia. Under their leadership, they aimed to establish a base of operations, which would enable them to receive and host like-minded individuals unlawfully, provide logistical support, and utilise Georgian territory as a transit point for terrorist activities.
As a result of investigative operations carried out at dawn this morning, items bearing terrorist symbolism, explosive substances, substantial quantities of ammunition and firearms, military equipment, mobile phones and other electronic data storage devices, exceptionally large sums of cash in various currencies, and other evidence relevant to the investigation have been seized.
The investigation is being carried out under Articles 236 and 328 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which relate to the illegal acquisition and possession of firearms, ammunition, and explosive substances, membership of a foreign terrorist organisation, and assistance to terrorist activities. The offence carries a penalty of up to seventeen years’ imprisonment,” Lasha Maghradze stated.
