Zugdidi residents report rising crime and insecurity

Residents of Zugdidi, Georgia, have expressed growing fear regarding a surge in criminal activity in the region. Local citizens reported a deteriorating security situation, noting that going out into the streets has become increasingly dangerous.

Recent incidents include armed robberies of microfinance organizations and currency exchange booths, as well as the hijacking of cash-in-transit vehicles. One notable robbery involved a Liberty Bank armored car, where a suspect was identified as an active employee of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Additionally, there have been reports of vehicle thefts, including a car belonging to an EU monitoring mission staff member, and physical assaults on retail employees in local shops.