Georgia’s State Security Service (SSSG) says it has uncovered two criminal schemes and detained five Georgian citizens and one Turkish national over alleged fraud tied to residence permits and fictitious border crossings.
Investigators say the suspects face charges of large-scale fraud, which carry a possible prison term of up to nine years. The agency says it is still looking for other possible participants.
Fake stamps after a promised residence permit
In the first case, a group allegedly took $14,500 from a Turkish citizen after promising to arrange a residence permit, then failed to deliver. When his lawful stay expired, the suspects allegedly charged him a further $3,000 to place forged exit and entry stamps in his identity document — even though he had not crossed the border.
Second case: money for a scheme never delivered
In a separate case, a Georgian citizen allegedly offered a Turkmenistani national whose stay had also expired a similar fictitious border-crossing arrangement for $4,000 so he could extend his legal status. Investigators say the promise was not fulfilled, but part of the money was taken.
Both matters remain at the charge stage while the investigation continues.
