On January 21, the State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG) received a call regarding a potential threat of explosive devices being planted at various locations in the city of Batumi, including schools, universities, and shopping centers. Following the report, anti-terrorist units from the SSSG and the Ministry of Internal Affairs conducted special operations at the mentioned locations; however, no explosives were found.

According to the analysis of operational data, it was determined that the false alarm originated from outside the country, and the mobile phone number of a minor Georgian citizen was intentionally used to send the messages. A criminal investigation has been initiated to address the false reporting of terrorism, and efforts are underway to identify the source of the messages. The SSSG has requested assistance from partner countries in this regard.

Additionally, the Georgian Security Service revealed that false reports of a terrorist attack on the "Galleria Tbilisi" shopping mall were received on December 30, 2023, and January 17, 2024. These reports were linked to international online games involving minors from various countries, including Georgia. The instigators of these messages were identified as a specific group of individuals residing abroad. The SSSG is actively working to address these incidents and ensure public safety.