Deputy detained in Georgia in case of ties with 'thieves' world'

Lasha Letodiani, a deputy of the Tsageri sakrebulo (municipal assembly), was among 26 people detained during a large-scale special operation by Georgian law enforcement agencies against alleged members and accomplices of the "thieves' world," Georgian media report.

According to investigators, Letodiani may have been connected to representatives of the criminal underworld, participated in resolving conflicts between them, and helped collect the so-called "thieves' common fund" — an illegal monetary pool used in the criminal hierarchy.

Letodiani heads the "Power of the People" faction in the Tsageri municipal assembly. This political force previously participated in elections in partnership with the ruling "Georgian Dream" party.
According to the prosecutor's office, the deputy supported the activities of representatives of the "thieves' world" for several months, participated for a fee in resolving financial disputes, and maintained contact with criminal authority Shalva Nakeuri. Investigators also claim that Letodiani attempted to establish contact with the so-called "thief in law" Besik Japaridze, who is abroad.
According to the charges, investigators possess audio recordings in which participants in conflicts allegedly threaten debtors with violence and harm to their relatives. The prosecutor's office claims that part of the evidence was obtained through wiretapping installed in Letodiani's car.