Officers from the Batumi City Division of the Adjara Police Department under Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs detained Ukrainian citizens M.Z., born in 1981, and previously convicted Sh.Q., born in 1987, in the act. They are accused of committing extortion and coercion as a group with the intent to obtain property in large amounts, according to the Ministry.

“The investigation revealed that the accused demanded that Ukrainian citizen M.H., born in 1994, change his testimony during a court hearing related to a criminal case in Ukraine, and transfer $180,000 in favor of individuals detained in connection with that case. The suspects threatened to kill M.H. and his wife if he refused to comply.

As a result of promptly conducted investigative and search operations, law enforcement officers identified the suspects. Sh.Q. was apprehended in Batumi, while M.Z. was arrested at the Sarpi border crossing point while attempting to leave Georgia.

The investigation is being conducted under Part 2 of Articles 181 and 150 of Georgia’s Criminal Code,” the ministry stated.

For reference: these crimes are punishable by up to 7 years of imprisonment.