Georgians Arrested in Spain

Georgian media reported that dozens of Georgians were rounded up by the Spanish police in Barcelona on June 17.

The Spanish El Pais and ABC reported on June 18 that the police arrested about 20 persons from the former Soviet states in an operation which was carried out in Barcelona, Alicante y Malaga as a part of fight against organized crime.

Georgian Deputy Foreign Minister Kakha Sikharulidze said at a news conference on June 18 that the number of Georgians arrested by the Spanish police reportedly varies from 20 to 25.

According to the ABC.es most of the detainees are Georgians and suspected in money laundering and fuel smuggling. This report also says that some of detainees might also face murder and money extortion charges.

The ABC.es also reported that some of these arrested Georgians, who live in Barcelona?s las Ramblas district might already have Spanish passports. 

News broke on June 17 that 41 Georgians were also arrested in Austria for alleged theft charges. According to the Austria?s Die Presse arrested Georgians are suspected of organized crime, involving number of thefts worth of 504,000 Euro.

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