On May 30, 2026, the State Security Service (SSG) of Georgia announced the arrest of a Georgian citizen identified as the head of a local non-governmental organization (NGO). He faces serious espionage charges, allegedly having worked for both Russian and Western intelligence agencies.

During a press briefing, Lasha Magradze, the Deputy Head of the SSG, stated that the suspect was accused of gathering and disseminating sensitive intelligence information in exchange for financial compensation. Authorities allege that the individual maintained covert contacts with representatives from foreign intelligence services and coordinated several operations financed by those entities.

The investigation, initiated under Article 314 of Georgia's Criminal Code, emphasizes the severity of espionage in the country, carrying potential prison sentences of 8 to 12 years if convicted. The SSG has not disclosed the specific identities of the foreign countries involved in this case.

This incident reflects a broader trend in 2026, where several high-profile arrests related to espionage have occurred, signaling heightened scrutiny of NGOs and foreign affiliations within Georgia. The SSG is continuing its investigation, aiming to uncover any additional suspects associated with this espionage network.