Georgian Organized Crime Boss and Associates Sentenced for Extortion Offenses
Key Details:
- Defendants: Vazha Gabadadze, Teimuraz Tavberidze, Kakha Katsadze, and Davit Tikaradze.
- Sentences: Ranging from 12 to 30 months in prison, with Tavberidze receiving 21 months.
- Crimes: Extortion, conspiracy to commit extortion under the Hobbs Act.
- Location: Southern District of New York.
- Prosecutors: Assistant U.S. Attorneys Getzel Berger, Varun Gumaste, Chelsea Scism, and Daniel Richenthal.
Summary:
Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky announced the sentencing of four individuals linked to a Georgian organized crime group for extortion offenses. The group, led by Vazha Gabadadze, a high-ranking member of the "vor v zakone" criminal hierarchy, engaged in violent threats and intimidation to extort money from a victim. The case highlights the international reach of organized crime and the collaborative efforts of U.S. law enforcement to bring such criminals to justice.
The Crime and Its Execution
- Background: Vazha Gabadadze, a "vor v zakone" (a "thief-in-law" or high-ranking figure in Georgian and Russian organized crime), led a criminal enterprise that extorted money through violent threats. His associates, Teimuraz Tavberidze, Kakha Katsadze, and Davit Tikaradze, played specific roles in executing the scheme.
- Initial Extortion in Georgia (2017): Gabadadze approached a victim in Georgia, demanding $15,000, claiming the victim’s friend owed him the money. When the victim moved to the U.S., Gabadadze followed.
- Reinitiation of Extortion in the U.S. (2022): Gabadadze and his associates pursued the victim in the U.S., issuing graphic threats of violence, including mutilation and death, to coerce payment. The threats included breaking the victim’s spine, peeling out his eyes, and leaving his body to be discovered "when the snow melts."
Roles and Convictions
- Gabadadze: The leader of the scheme, Gabadadze was the primary beneficiary of the extorted funds. He pleaded guilty to one count of Hobbs Act extortion.
- Tavberidze: Responsible for communicating with the victim and collecting payments, Tavberidze personally issued threats. He was convicted of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act extortion and Hobbs Act extortion after a trial.
- Katsadze: Managed the collection and transfer of extorted funds to Gabadadze. He pleaded guilty to one count of Hobbs Act extortion.
- Tikaradze: Acted as Gabadadze’s secretary and issued threats to the victim. He pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act extortion.
Legal Proceedings and Sentences
- Trial and Convictions: The defendants were tried in the Southern District of New York, with Tavberidze being the last to be sentenced on December 9, 2024, following a one-week jury trial. The other three defendants had previously pleaded guilty.
- Sentences:
- Gabadadze: 30 months in prison.
- Katsadze: 24 months in prison.
- Tikaradze: 12 months in prison.
- Tavberidze: 21 months in prison.
Law Enforcement Collaboration
Acting U.S. Attorney Podolsky commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for their dedication in bringing the defendants to justice. He also acknowledged the assistance of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the New York City Police Department in the investigation. The case was prosecuted by the Office’s General Crimes Unit, underscoring the importance of interagency cooperation in tackling organized crime.
Conclusion
This case underscores the persistent threat posed by international organized crime groups and the effectiveness of U.S. law enforcement in addressing such threats. The convictions and sentences of Gabadadze and his associates send a strong message about the consequences of engaging in extortion and violent criminal activities. The collaborative efforts of federal and local agencies highlight the importance of a unified approach to combating organized crime.
