Crime rates climb in Georgia with terrorism, public safety cases up

Georgia recorded 54,100 criminal offenses in 2025, marking an 8.3% increase from the previous year. The overall crime clearance rate hit a record 70.01%, up from 64.3% in 2024, the Ministry of Internal Affairs said.

Property crimes remained the most common, with 17,251 cases, followed by 10,475 drug-related offenses. The sharp rise in drug crimes, up nearly 87% from 2024, was a key driver of the overall increase. Of 7,119 individuals prosecuted for drug offenses, 2,265 were involved in distribution, Caliber.Az reports, citing Georgian media.

Crimes against health numbered 7,304, while offenses against human rights and freedoms totaled 4,618. The ministry reported slight declines in residential burglaries, fraud, and extortion.

Certain offenses saw dramatic growth: crimes against public safety (+40%), against the constitutional order (+42.9%), and terrorism (+133.3%). Authorities noted that prosecutions included organizers of anti-government protests. Cases of illegal weapons possession rose 37.5%, while cybercrime and sexual freedom offenses declined.

Illegal migration enforcement also surged, with 1,311 foreign nationals deported in 2025—a 261% increase compared to 2024 and higher than the total for the previous six years combined.

The ministry emphasized that the rise in reported crimes reflects enhanced law enforcement and investigative efforts, alongside a focus on combating organized and high-risk criminal activity.

By Vafa Guliyeva