As a result of another successful operational measure, jointly conducted by the officers of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia and the State Security Service have foiled a murder-for-hire plot – a person born in 2007 has been detained, said the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs at today`s briefing.

"A comprehensive investigation conducted by Kakheti Police Department has established that the accused person, under the orders and instructions of a criminal authority abroad, Elmuraz Mamedov, was supposed to kill a person living in the village of Kabali, Lagodekhi Municipality, on the grounds that the latter refused to pay Elmuraz Mamedov the sum demanded under threats which amounted to 200,000 US dollars.

The accused person failed to complete the task, and law enforcement officers arrested him on charges of preparing a murder-for-hire, as well as illegal purchase, storage and carrying of firearms and ammunition. As a result of his personal search, a Makarov firearm, with a magazine and cartridges placed in it, was seized. The detainee confessed to the crime. In addition, the accused person`s participation in the crime is confirmed by the secret investigative action conducted against him, the examination of his mobile phone and other evidence.

The investigation is underway under Articles 18-109 and 236 of the Criminal Code of Georgia.

Operational-investigative actions are in progress to identify persons in criminal connection with the detainee and the criminal authority Elmuraz Mamedov and to expose other possible crimes committed by them.

We would like to remind the public that an investigation is underway in a number of criminal cases against the criminal authority Elmuraz Mamedov. Mamedov has already been charged in absentia in various cases over the past few months, including for a murder-for-hire case committed in Lagodekhi municipality in summer of the current year.

Criminal authority Elmuraz Mamedov, wanted by Interpol under the red notice, is currently in hiding abroad. Law enforcement agencies are working intensively to arrest him and bring him to criminal justice in a timely manner, for which all relevant investigative, procedural and operational actions are being carried out. The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia continues its uncompromising fight against organized crime on a daily basis and implements appropriate measures, including preventive measures in this regard", - Aleksandre Darakhvelidze.