Georgia: The State Security Service of Georgia has revealed that the false bomb threats that caused panic in Batumi and Tbilisi in the past month were linked to international network games involving minors from different countries.
On January 21, 2024, the counterterrorist unit of the State Security Service and the Ministry of Internal Affairs conducted special operations in Batumi shopping centres and educational institutions, where no explosive substance or device was found.
By analyzing the operational data obtained at this stage, the messages about the placement of explosive devices were made from outside the country, where the mobile phone number for the benefit of Georgian minor citizens was deliberately indicated.
Within the framework of ongoing operational and investigative measures to identify the messages’ originator, the partner countries’ agencies were familiar with assistance.
Also, the initiators of the mentioned messages are a group of specific people abroad. Relevant special measures were taken regarding this fact.
The messages about the placement of explosive devices were made from outside the country, where the mobile phone number of Georgian minor citizens was deliberately indicated.
The State Security Service said that the same method was used in the false messages about the terrorist attack in “Gallery in Tbilisi” on December 30, 2023 and January 17, 2024. The messages were sent by a group of specific people abroad involved in international network games.
The State Security Service said that it was cooperating with the agencies of the partner countries to identify the originators of the messages and to prevent such incidents in the future.
An investigation is underway into a criminal justice case involving false reporting about terrorism. The Counterterrorist Center of State Counterterrorists is investigating the case.
The State Security Service urged the public to remain calm and not to spread unverified information that could create unnecessary panic and disrupt public order.
