State Security Service arrests one for false explosives report on Kutaisi-Barcelona flight
The state body noted the investigation into the false notification on terrorism was underway, with the crime to be punishable by imprisonment from three to six years or six to nine years. Photo via SSS
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The Georgian State Security Service on Saturday said it had arrested a Georgian citizen for a false report on explosives onboard the Wizz Air flight from Kutaisi in western Georgia to Barcelona in Spain, which forced the jet into abortive landing on Wednesday.
The body noted that the arrested individual had called the head office of Wizz Air in Hungary, falsely claiming the presence of explosives on Flight W66417.
After “prompt measures” taken by the Security Service and the Interior Ministry no explosives were found onboard, the SSS stressed.
The state body noted the investigation into the false notification on terrorism was underway, with the crime to be punishable by imprisonment from three to six years or six to nine years.
The SSS is actively probing various false reports and through its operational efforts, particular individuals and groups involved in such activities have been identified, both domestically and internationally.
The Service highlighted its commitment to identifying threats and mitigating risks posed by false reports, affirming that strict legal measures would be applied in response to such incidents.
Irakli Karkashadze, the Director of the United Airports of Georgia, said no explosives had been found onboard the Wizz Air jet that was forced into abortive landing after departing western Georgia’s Kutaisi International Airport for Barcelona on Wednesday.
A Wizz Air flight from Kutaisi in western Georgia to Barcelona in Spain was on Wednesday forced into abortive landing after the airline contacted law enforcement with concerns about potential explosives onboard.
The Georgian State Security Service on Monday said it had seized several units of special explosive devices and a “significant quantity” of explosive material allegedly originating from the Ukrainian city of Odesa and intended for transportation to Russia.
Grigol Liluashvili, the Head of the Georgian State Security Service, on Thursday said the Service's efforts and the implemented measures “have significantly reduced the number of possible supporters of terrorism” in Georgia.