The Georgian Prosecutor’s Office says that between 2020 and 2023, a portion of the fraudulent call centers operating in the country were protected by Grigol Liluashvili and former Prosecutor General Otar Patsaladze through members of their close circle. Authorities have launched criminal proceedings against 10 individuals for allegedly stealing $9.5 million and laundering the funds.
According to investigators, while multiple large-scale call-center schemes operated during these years, a “smaller group” enjoyed immunity thanks to Liluashvili and Patsaladze’s patronage. Prosecutors say this protection allowed the centers to operate without interference from law enforcement or competing criminal networks.
The investigation claims that group members, including Giorgi Mikadze, Davit Mikadze, Irakli Sekhniashvili and Mikheil Chokheli, leveraged this influence to shield the call centers and ensure their continued illegal activities. These centers allegedly targeted foreign nationals, deceiving them into handing over millions in cryptocurrency.
Prosecutors have not yet clarified whether formal charges have been brought against Grigol Liluashvili. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to collect additional evidence and identify other individuals potentially involved in the scheme.
