The Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Matthew Podolsky, announced the sentencing of four individuals involved in extortion offenses. The defendants include Vazha Gabadadze, a leader of a criminal enterprise from the Republic of Georgia, and his associates Teimuraz Tavberidze, Kakha Katsadze, and Davit Tikaradze.
U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff sentenced Tavberidze to 21 months in prison after his conviction on December 9, 2024. The other three defendants had previously received sentences ranging from 12 to 30 months.
Podolsky stated: “Vazha Gabadadze and his associates threatened to mutilate and kill a victim if he did not provide them with money. They intimidated the victim, relying on their connections to violent organized crime, to obtain thousands of dollars. But thanks to the dedication of the FBI and the career prosecutors of this Office, all four defendants have been brought to justice and will serve federal prison time for their crimes.”
According to court documents and statements made in court, Gabadadze is identified as a "vor v zakone," which translates to "thief-in-law" or "thief within the code." This title signifies his high standing within Russian and Georgian organized criminal groups.
In 2017 in Georgia, Gabadadze demanded $15,000 from an individual referred to as "the Victim," claiming that a friend of the Victim owed him money. After relocating to the U.S., Gabadadze pursued this extortion by following the Victim there in 2022. Alongside his associates Tavberidze, Katsadze, and Tikaradze, he continued harassing and threatening severe violence against the Victim unless payments were made.
Each defendant played distinct roles in this extortion scheme. Gabadadze was identified as its leader; Tavberidze was responsible for direct communication with threats towards the Victim; Katsadze managed payment collections; Tikaradze served as secretary while also issuing threats.
Overall approximately $19,000 was obtained through these extortions.
Gabadadze pled guilty to one count of Hobbs Act extortion along with Katsadze; Tikaradze admitted guilt regarding conspiracy charges under Hobbs Act provisions while Tavberidzee faced convictions both for conspiracy alongside direct involvement post-trial verdicts.
Mr. Podolsky commended efforts by Federal Bureau Investigation officials involved throughout proceedings alongside support rendered via Customs Border Protection units plus contributions originating out New York City's Police Department personnel during investigations conducted under supervision led by Assistant U.S Attorneys Getzel Berger Varun Gumaste Chelsea Scism Daniel Richenthal assigned General Crimes Unit handling prosecutions accordingly throughout case developments recorded hereinabove noted statement issuance date March thirteenth two thousand twenty-five
