Supporting 'Thieves' World' in Georgia

Supporting 'Thieves' World'

How is public support punished?

Up to 3 years — where it creates a clear, direct and substantial danger.

And active facilitation?

3 to 6 years; through an official position — 4 to 7 years.

What is not a crime?

Humanitarian transfer, a life-preserving action and the performance of professional duty.

When does the sanction start from four years?

When facilitation uses an official position, and when an address for 'thieves' arbitration' causes a grave consequence.

4 min·8 Feb 2026

Supporting the 'Thieves' World' — Two Faces of the Charge

Article 223-3 of the Georgian Criminal Code specially regulates the supporting of the 'thieves' world's' activity, while Article 223-4 regulates addressing a member of that world or a 'lawful thief' and receiving material benefit as a result of such an address. Both norms belong to the legislative package against the thieves' world, and both are marked by a thin boundary between crime and ordinary conduct. This page explains the compositions of both articles, their sanctions, and the exclusion norms that are decisive for the defence.