Security Service Claims Georgia Protests Funded by Overseas Crypto

Georgia Protests Allegedly Funded by Cryptocurrency

Georgia’s security service has claimed that overseas actors are using cryptocurrency to fund recent protests that have caused division within the country. Thousands of individuals have participated in demonstrations in various cities, including the capital Tbilisi, as well as Zugdidi, Kutaisi, and Gori.

Foreign Funding and Crypto Usage

• The State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG) has stated that the masterminds behind the protests are utilizing funds from abroad.
• The SSSG alleges that protest organizers are leveraging cryptocurrency to obscure their financial activities.
• Overseas individuals, including some Georgians involved in conflicts in Ukraine, are accused of orchestrating disruptive events in Georgia.

Bill Sparks Controversy

Protests in Tbilisi have intensified due to a proposed bill targeting ‘foreign agents’ that has drawn criticism for its resemblance to Russian legislation. The bill aims to label organizations receiving significant overseas funding as ‘foreign agents.’

EU Membership Concerns

There are fears that the bill could jeopardize Georgia’s aspirations to join the European Union. President Salome Zourabichvili has expressed opposition to the bill, while Western media suggests that the outcome of the vote could lead to significant political changes in Georgia.

Future Implications

The protests in Georgia have raised concerns about potential violence and clashes with law enforcement. The use of cryptocurrency in funding such activities has added a layer of complexity to the situation.