Georgia
‘Tinder Swindler’ Simon Leviev detained in Georgia on Interpol red notice
Shimon Yehuda Hayut gained worldwide notoriety thanks to the 2022 Netflix documentary 'The Tinder Swindler', which detailed how he allegedly posed as the son of billionaire diamond tycoon to scam women he met on Tinder.
Georgian opposition leader Helene Khoshtaria arrested for graffitiing on ruling party campaign banner
As local elections approach, Tbilisi mayor Kakha Kaladze’s campaign HQ has emerged as a new protest epicentre.
Local elections loom in Georgia
Georgia’s October 4 municipal elections are already mired in controversy amid a partial opposition boycott and mounting state repression, as major international observers refuse to participate.
Georgian Dream supporters attack anti-government protesters in Tbilisi weeks before local elections
Protesters targeted the campaign headquarters of Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze of Georgian Dream, who is seeking re-election in October.
Migrants in Moscow spooked by government order to download geolocation app by Sept 1
“Amina” surveillance will inform interior ministry of guest workers’ exact whereabouts.
Council of Europe expert body calls for repeal of Georgia’s ‘foreign agents’ law
Law requires organisations and media outlets receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as “agents of foreign influence”.
_Cropped_1756210594.jpg)
Turkey breaks ground on its section of the TRIPP rail corridor
Turkish project would help make TRIPP the go-to route for Middle Corridor freight.
65 Ukrainian deportees held in inhumane conditions on Russia-Georgia border returned home
Ukrainian nationals stranded at the Russia-Georgia border after being deported from Russia have been flown home, ending a two-month long ordeal.
London-listed TBC Bank expands digital ecosystem with OLX Uzbekistan acquisition
OLX Uzbekistan is the sixth-most visited website in Uzbekistan with with 5.4mn monthly active users and 2.2mn active listings.
As a potato crisis sweeps CIS countries, Russia halts potato imports from Georgia
Russia ceased importing potatoes from Georgia in July, ending nine consecutive months of uninterrupted shipments.
Georgian exports hit record $3.8bn in January-July 2025
Exports in January-July 2025 totalled $3.8bn, but Georgia's trade deficit remained high at $6.5bn or 46% of foreign trade turnover.
The Caucasus and Central Asia are well wired – survey
Kazakhstan is the leader in “meaningful connectivity.”
Georgian Dream accuses former-ruling UNM of starting 2008 Russo-Georgian war
On war's 17th anniversary, top Georgian government officials claim ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili provoked the conflict in comments quickly backed by Moscow.
Wildfires close Dardanelles gateway to Black Sea
Strait closed as Turkey’s heatwave battle with raging wildfires fanned by strong winds continues.
Georgian ruling party nominate Kakha Kaladze for third term as Tbilisi mayor
This will be Kaladze’s third consecutive run for the post of Tbilisi mayor, having been first elected in 2017 and re-elected in 2021.
Only two bidders left in the auction for HSBC’s Maltese operations
The auction for HSBC’s Maltese operations has attracted more interest than first expected with the number of bidders rising to five at its peak. However, three have dropped out and only Bank of Georgia and Armenia’s Ardshinbank remain in the race
MACRO ADVISORY: Georgia is too important to sanction
Despite warnings from the World Bank, the IMF and some Rating Agencies that the continuing protests in Tbilisi and the deteriorating relations with the European Union will have a negative impact on Georgia’s economy its not happening yet.
Fleet-cannibalised Russian aviation can only look on as Central Asia carriers take over regional market segments
Moscow has even considered asking Kazakhstan to run some of its domestic flight connections.
EU threatens suspension of visa free travel for Georgians amid ruling party crackdown
The EU has warned Georgia may lose its visa-free travel privileges should the ruling Georgian Dream party not take steps to reverse its current course, which many Western countries have condemned as increasingly authoritarian and anti-European.
Etihad Airways announces seven new routes from Abu Dhabi hub
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, will launch seven new destinations from Abu Dhabi between November 2025 and March 2026, expanding its network across the Middle East.