The Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Matthew Podolsky, has announced the sentencing of four individuals involved in extortion offenses. The defendants include Vazha Gabadadze, Teimuraz Tavberidze, Kakha Katsadze, and Davit Tikaradze. These individuals were part of a criminal enterprise originating from the Republic of Georgia.
Teimuraz Tavberidze was the last to be sentenced, receiving 21 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff after being convicted on December 9, 2024. The other three defendants had previously received sentences ranging from 12 to 30 months.
Matthew 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 during proceedings, Gabadadze is identified as a "vor v zakone," or "thief-in-law," which places him at a high level within Russian and Georgian organized crime groups. This group traditionally demands tribute from criminals and laypersons alike.
In 2017, Gabadadze approached an individual referred to as "the Victim" in Georgia demanding $15,000 due to an alleged debt owed by a friend of the Victim. After relocating to the U.S., the Victim was pursued by Gabadadze in 2022 who reinitiated extortion efforts alongside his associates.
The threats against the Victim included graphic violence such as breaking his spine or peeling out his eyes. Each defendant played specific roles; Gabadadze led the scheme while Tavberidze handled communications with threats and collections. Katsadze managed payment collection while Tikaradze acted as secretary threatening the Victim directly.
The defendants collectively obtained approximately $19,000 through these extortion activities.
Gabadadze and Katsadze pled guilty to Hobbs Act extortion charges while Tikaradze admitted conspiracy involvement. Tavberidze faced conviction for both conspiracy and Hobbs Act extortion following trial proceedings.
Podolsky commended law enforcement agencies including the FBI for their role in resolving this case successfully prosecuted by Assistant U.S Attorneys Getzel Berger among others under supervision from General Crimes Unit leadership.