The case of the Zugdidi bank robbery has been re-qualified, and now the investigation is in progress under Articles 236, 323 and 329 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, envisaging a terrorist, hostage-taking act, illegal purchase, storage, and possession of firearms. Deputy Interior Minister Vladimer Bortsvadze said at the briefing at Zugdidi regional police department that investigative efforts are active to determine the offender's whereabouts.
A gunman broke into the Bank of Georgia in Zugdidi and took 43 hostages on 21 October. He demanded half a million dollars, a helicopter, and threatened to kill the hostages unless his demands were met.
Late at night, the captor left the bank building late at night, together with three victims and $500,000. He freed all hostages at dawn and vanished without a trace.
The MIA has released the information saying that all hostages have been freed and are now safe.
