Updated: Kvareli Bank Robber Detained, Hostages Freed

Following a several-hour-long operation, police detained at around 19:00 today an armed person that broke into the Bank of Georgia branch in Kvareli, eastern Georgia and took 13 hostages. All hostages had been freed before the officers detained the robber.

Police said the hostage-taker, identified as Sh. M. and born in 1972, has been charged under Articles 236, 323 and 329 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, involving illegal carrying of firearms, act of terrorism, and taking hostages for terrorist purposes.

Police officers had been mobilized around the building since around 16:00. Unconfirmed media report then noted the robber was armed with a firearm and a grenade. He reportedly demanded GEL 500,000 (USD 160,000) for their release. 

The story was updated.

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