Special Investigation Service Issues Statement Following Search at Sports Commentator's Home
By Liza Mchedlidze
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
The Special Investigation Service (SIS) has released a statement following a search conducted at the home of sports commentator Sandro Tsnobiladze. The search took place while Tsnobiladze was at home with his mother and children. His lawyer, Lasha Tkesheladze, arrived shortly after the search began. Tsnobiladze has connected the search to his ongoing participation in protests, suggesting that this may be a factor behind the investigation.
According to the SIS, the investigation centers on a case involving the illegal acquisition of personal information. The investigation reveals that since 2022, an unknown individual has been using a fake social media profile to communicate with a victim, convincing her that they were an acquaintance from the past. The individual coerced the victim into sending intimate content and later attempted to extort her by offering to delete the material in exchange for meeting in person.
Based on evidence gathered, including data from META and the victim's testimony, investigators identified the addresses linked to the fake profile, which matched Tsnobiladze's residence and workplace. A court-approved search was conducted at his home and workplace, where mobile phones and computer equipment were seized as evidence.
The investigation is ongoing under Part One of Article 157 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which relates to violations of personal privacy.
After the search, Tsnobiladze addressed the media, stating that the authorities took several items, including laptops, disks, and his phone, during the search.
"I have no information about [the investigation into the invasion of privacy], it's a bit of a funny story for me. The maximum that they took from me and that they can see is the successes of the Argentina national team and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's goals. The rest, according to my observations and opinion, is simply a method of blackmail. Everyone knows well, and I will state it here again, I will protest every day. I don't see any other reason," he said.
