Georgian police link Batumi killing to Türkiye-based crime conflict

The Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs has confirmed that the fatal shooting of a Turkish citizen in the Black Sea resort city of Batumi may have stemmed from an ongoing conflict between rival criminal groups in Türkiye. 

The incident took place on July 18 at the popular Grill restaurant, where the victim was dining at the time of the attack.

According to Georgian media outlets, cited by Caliber.Az, the Interior Ministry reported that two Turkish nationals have been detained in connection with the murder.

One of the suspects has been charged with premeditated murder and the unlawful possession and carrying of a firearm. The second individual faces charges of failing to report a particularly serious crime and illegally crossing Georgia’s state border.

Authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into the case, which includes charges of premeditated murder, the illegal acquisition, possession, and carrying of firearms and ammunition, failure to report a serious crime, and unlawful entry into Georgia.

If convicted, the detainees face prison sentences of up to 15 years.

The Georgian authorities have not yet released the identity of the victim, but emphasised that the investigation is ongoing and further details will be disclosed as they become available.

By Tamilla Hasanova