Prepared by Messenger Staff
Georgian Citizens Among Staff at Moldova's Dismantled Crypto Scam Call Centers
Moldovan authorities have dismantled five fraudulent call centers in Chisinau that allegedly defrauded citizens of the United States and Canada through fake cryptocurrency investment platforms. Georgian citizens were among dozens of people employed at the centers.
During an operation on October 9, law enforcement officers conducted 21 searches and arrested eight suspects in a fraud and money laundering investigation.
Investigators said the organized group posed as international investment experts, misled clients about potential returns and persuaded them to transfer large sums of money. One of the five call centers allegedly generated around $2 million a month.
Authorities seized cash, phones, computers, bank cards and other evidence. The immigration status of foreign employees, including Georgian citizens, will also be checked.
All eight suspects have been placed in pre-trial detention. The investigation is ongoing.
Vietnamese Vice President Visits Georgia to Discuss Trade and Cooperation
Vietnamese Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan visited Georgia on October 12-13 for meetings with Georgian Dream government officials-including Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Mikheil Kavelashvili, and Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili-to discuss closer political and economic ties.
Xuan was welcomed at Tbilisi International Airport by Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili. During her meeting with Kobakhidze on October 12, the sides discussed trade, tourism, and opportunities for cooperation across various sectors, as well as Georgia's role as a transit hub through the Middle Corridor. Kobakhidze thanked Vietnam for supporting Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The same day, Deputy Foreign Minister Giorgi Zurabashvili met his Vietnamese counterpart, Dang Hoang Giang, discussing economic relations before signing a memorandum of understanding between the two foreign ministries.
On October 13, Xuan met with Kavelashvili and Papuashvili to cover cooperation in trade, investment, transport, and technology. According to parliament's press service, Xuan expressed Vietnam's readiness to serve as a bridge to Southeast Asia. The sides also welcomed plans to open a Georgian embassy in Vietnam in 2027.
