Police in Tbilisi have detained brothers Giorgi and David Peikrishvili, described by investigators as prominent figures in Georgia’s criminal underworld, over allegations of group violence and extortion.

According to the investigation, Giorgi Peikrishvili demanded a large sum of money from a man in exchange for “criminal protection” while threatening to kill him, according to Sputnik Georgia.

Investigators also allege that David Peikrishvili and his bodyguard assaulted a young man following a dispute.

The brothers have previously appeared in a criminal investigation. In 2020, they were reportedly identified as targets of a planned contract killing.

According to Georgia’s State Security Service, three criminal figures from Georgia and Ukraine were involved in organizing the assassination attempt.