Russian law enforcement has dismantled a major international phone scam operation tied to a controversial former Georgian official, revealing a web of deceit that has defrauded tens of thousands of people worldwide. The Federal Security Service (FSB) made the announcement on Monday, sharing the incredible details of the case.
The operation was part of the notorious Milton Group, a scam ring with a long history of targeting victims across the globe. The group ran several call centers inside Russia, which authorities say were responsible for tricking people into handing over their savings. According to the FSB, the criminals managed to defraud around 100,000 people in over 50 countries—including nations like the UK, Brazil, India, Japan, and several in the EU.
The Big Players Behind the Scams
One suspect, who holds both Israeli and Ukrainian citizenship, has been arrested. However, the alleged mastermind, David Todva, is still on the run. The FSB claims that Todva is part of a broader criminal network tied to Davit Kezerashvili, a former Georgian defense minister. Kezerashvili, who now resides in London, has long denied any involvement in such activities despite mounting allegations.
Kezerashvili’s name has surfaced before. Earlier this year, Georgian prosecutors revealed similar scams in their country connected to him. These operations were allegedly raking in millions of euros by targeting unsuspecting citizens in Germany, Slovenia, and Slovakia.
Bomb Threats and Terror Links
The story takes a darker turn. These call centers weren’t just scamming people; they were also involved in spreading fake bomb threats to disrupt critical infrastructure in Russia. The FSB said these threats targeted Moscow and other regions near Ukraine, including Kursk, Bryansk, and Belgorod. Officials believe this was part of a broader effort to create chaos and aid Ukraine’s “terrorist activities.”
Secret Weapons Stash and Political Ties
Last week, Georgian authorities raided a home tied to Kezerashvili’s family, uncovering a hidden arsenal of weapons. The cache, which included dozens of firearms, was allegedly linked to groups planning violent activities in Georgia.
This raid is part of a larger crackdown on criminal organizations in the country. Interestingly, the home is currently occupied by Kezerashvili’s brother-in-law, Dimitry Chikovani, a prominent member of Georgia’s opposition party. The party has been staging protests aimed at overturning recent parliamentary election results, adding a layer of political intrigue to the case.
The Global Impact
The Milton Group’s scams have left a trail of financial devastation in their wake. Victims from dozens of countries were deceived by sophisticated tactics that made the call centers seem legitimate. These revelations highlight not only the vast scale of the fraud but also its connections to organized crime and political turmoil.
While one suspect has been caught, the hunt for the ringleaders continues. As authorities dig deeper, more shocking details about this global scam empire and its high-profile connections may come to light.
