Tbilisi court allows extradition of Albanian national wanted for defrauding German citizens

The Tbilisi City Court has sentenced an Albanian national to a three-month extradition detention for his involvement in a “call centre” scam scheme that defrauded German citizens, following a request by the Georgian Prosecutor’s Office. 

The Office said on Monday the individual was sought in connection with a “multi-episode fraud and money laundering investigation” involving an organised crime group.

It said the person had held a “high-ranking position” within the group and overseen a team of over 50 individuals, adding the suspect was wanted through an Interpol Red Circular. 

The individual was involved in facilitating distribution and support for a portfolio of electronic products and services used in the criminal scheme, with the “smooth operation” of the fraudulent call centres - which operated across different countries - “relying on his coordination”, the Georgian agency said. 

It added the activities involving the group had resulted in over 1,000 identified victims in the Bavarian state in Germany, with damage exceeding €42 million, and pledged commitment to undertaking “necessary legal procedures” to facilitate the extradition of the individual.