SSS Arrests Two on Espionage Charges
By Messenger Staff
Monday,June 1, 2026
The State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG) announced on May 30 the arrest of Irakli Chikhladze, reportedly a founder and head of the Caucasian Center for Civil Hearings, on espionage charges. The foreign country allegedly involved was not identified.
SSSG First Deputy Head Lasha Maghradze said Chikhladze had "systematically obtained and transmitted intelligence-related information" to a foreign intelligence service through "personal contacts in journalistic, expert, and other professional circles."
According to Maghradze, the suspect used encrypted communications and met representatives of the foreign intelligence service at various locations under strict security protocols, transmitting information both electronically and in person. The information allegedly concerned "political and economic processes in Georgia and the region, including neighboring countries, as well as the situation within law enforcement agencies and security structures."
Maghradze further alleged that Chikhladze operated "under the cover of an online platform" and managed an intelligence network by coordinating its members, distributing funds received from the foreign intelligence service, and monitoring the execution of assigned tasks. He also allegedly traveled abroad periodically to collect intelligence through existing contacts.
Hours before announcing Chikhladze's arrest, Maghradze disclosed the detention of Gulbaat Rtskhiladze, described as a pro-Russian figure and head of an NGO, on suspicion of spying for the intelligence services of two unnamed countries.
The arrests are the latest in a series of espionage cases announced by the SSSG. On April 22, the agency arrested Tamaz Goloev, a resident of occupied Akhalgori, alleging that he had spied for Russian intelligence. On May 5, it arrested Giorgi Udzilauri, a former Cartu Group official, on allegations of spying for an unnamed European country.
The investigation into Chikhladze is ongoing under Article 314 of the Criminal Code, which criminalizes espionage and carries a prison sentence of eight to twelve years.
