Investigation Service seizes bank accounts of individuals linked to call centre fraud

Georgian authorities have been investigating activities of fraudulent “call centre” operations over the years, working in cooperation with foreign allies, including Germany, to uncover operations involved in schemes that have defrauded large sums from individuals in Europe. Photo: Investigation Service of Georgia’s Ministry of Finance

Agenda.ge, 31 Oct 2024 - 12:03, Tbilisi,Georgia

The Investigation Service of Georgia’s Ministry of Finance on Wednesday said it had seized bank accounts of individuals allegedly involved in an transnational crime involving fraudulent call centre services and money laundering.

The update comes after the Service last week said it had conducted searches at three “call centre venues” in the capital city of Tbilisi as part of the investigation, with the statement following reports that the Service employees had also searched Tbilisi flats of Sopo Gelava and Eto Buziashvili, employees of the United States-based Atlantic Council research centre.

The body noted the seizure had been made following  a court ruling, and added it would provide periodic updates on the progress and results of the investigation.

Lawyers last week told the press the search was related to a criminal case involving money laundering, fraud, and tax evasion, with computers and other devices seized.

Citing "operational information" and court approval for the searches, the Investigative Service indicated the targeted call centres were suspected of involvement “in similar criminal activities [as those revealed earlier] on a much larger financial scale”, and noted specific employees at the facilities were connected to fraudulent call centres identified in earlier investigations.

Georgian authorities have been investigating activities of fraudulent “call centre” operations over the years, working in cooperation with foreign allies, including Germany, to uncover operations involved in schemes that have defrauded large sums from individuals in Europe.