Georgian prosecutors have detained Grigol Liluashvili, the former head of the State Security Service, accusing him of accepting bribes to protect scam call centers that defrauded victims across the globe. The arrest marks a major development in an expanding corruption investigation targeting once-powerful figures in the country.
According to the Prosecutor General’s Office, Liluashvili faces four corruption-related charges, including receiving large payments in exchange for shielding fraudulent call center operations. If convicted, he could be sentenced to between 11 and 15 years in prison.
Liluashvili served as head of the State Security Service from 2020 until April 2025. Prosecutors allege that between 2021 and 2023, he provided protection to several call centers involved in international scams. Authorities claim he received approximately $1.365 million in bribes, funneled through his relative, Sandro Liluashvili.
The case gained momentum following the publication of “Scam Empire,” an investigative report by OCCRP, Sweden’s SVT, and more than 30 media partners. The investigation revealed that a call center operating in central Tbilisi—located just meters from the State Security Service headquarters—employed around 85 people and generated more than $35 million from over 6,100 victims worldwide since May 2022.
After the report was released, prosecutors froze assets connected to the call center and recently arrested a German national who worked there, following an extradition request from German authorities.
In October, Georgian law enforcement also carried out raids at the homes of several high-profile figures, including a former prime minister, a former chief prosecutor, and Liluashvili himself. His cousin, Sandro Liluashvili, was arrested on charges of fraud and money laundering.
Prosecutors have not disclosed which specific call centers Liluashvili is accused of protecting. “The investigation is ongoing,” prosecutor’s office spokesperson Baia Tsanava said, declining to provide further details.
Speaking briefly to reporters before questioning, Liluashvili said it was his first time being interrogated and denied prior involvement. His lawyer, Robert Grigalashvili, said the defense had not yet reviewed the indictment and could not comment on the charges.
Liluashvili is a member of the ruling Georgian Dream party. Independent media have previously reported on his alleged links to scam call centers—claims he had successfully contested in court. His detention now suggests prosecutors believe those allegations are supported by evidence and may signal a significant political fallout.
