On 21 January, the EU, together with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), donated new ID verification technology and cybercrime investigation software to the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) of Georgia.

The equipment will help the MIA to conduct in-depth checks of identity and travel documents, while the software will enable the Forensic–Criminalistics and Central Criminal Police departments to investigate instances of cybercrime and retrieve hard-to-extract evidence from the cyberspace.

“This equipment will enable Georgian authorities to more effectively fight irregular migration and crime, including highly complex forms of cybercrime,” said Vincent Rey, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Georgia. He added, “It is important in view of visa-free travel to the EU, and is part of the EU’s wider support to ensure modern and well-managed borders in Georgia and the safety and security of Georgians.”

The equipment and software, worth a total of €130,000, will help to further develop the crime-fighting abilities of the Georgian government.

The materials are part of an EU-funded support programme which includes equipment worth €10 million (GEL 32 Million) to the Georgian authorities for use in areas of migration and border management, as well as fighting highly complex forms of cybercrime.

Press release