Russian intelligence operatives have been conducting a large-scale espionage and cyberattack campaign in Georgia for several years, targeting government agencies and major companies.
Gaines Access to Governmental Entities
The campaign, which took place between 2017 and 2020, infiltrated key sectors such as energy, telecommunications, and government departments, including Georgia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Finance, as well as the central bank.
The cyberattacks gave Russian hackers access to crucial Georgian infrastructure, such as power companies, oil terminals, and media platforms. They also compromised email accounts linked to the Central Election Commission and other government entities, according to Digi24.
The hackers, believed to be associated with Russian intelligence agencies like the GRU and FSB, managed to gain access to critical systems that could have allowed them to sabotage communication and electricity networks if they chose to.
Russia's Continued Influence
Notably, they infiltrated companies like Telasi, a major power provider, and Skytel, a telecommunications company, giving them potential control over vast parts of the country's infrastructure.
Georgia, a vital transit hub between Europe and Asia, has been at the center of geopolitical tensions between Russia and the West for over two decades.
The country has long sought closer ties with the European Union and NATO, while Russia has aimed to keep it within its sphere of influence. Despite Georgia's efforts to break away from Moscow, Russia still occupies 20% of Georgian territory.
The cyber espionage campaign, which escalated before the 2020 elections, has raised concerns about Russia’s continued influence in the region.
Analysts suggest that Russia's long-term goal is to weaken Georgia’s pro-Western foreign policy, especially as the country faces critical parliamentary elections that could shape its future direction. Georgia’s refusal to impose sanctions on Russia has further complicated its relationship with Western allies.
