Ex-NATO Rep Admits to Spying on Georgia for Russia

Vakhtang Maysa, who used to be Georgia’s representative to NATO and is the Dean of Faculty at the International Relations Institute of Politics, was arrested by the Georgian Internal Ministry and has allegedly confessed to spying on behalf of Russia.

Maysa had access to classified state information, and he was detained upon the suspicion of espionage under Article 314 of Georgia’s criminal code.

According to the Ministry, Maysa has confessed to a slew of offenses. He has been in contact with foreign intelligence agencies, and upon their request, has been writing encrypted messages containing secret details of Georgia’s military, political and economic state, including information about changes in government and the acquisition of weapons.

During the conflict between Georgia and Russia in August 2008, Maysa reportedly shared information with Russia on an hourly basis regarding the location of Georgia’s troops and number of military vehicles. Maysa has admitted to receiving 7000 EUR/year for his spy services, as well as bonuses for extra-juicy info. Immediately following the conflict in August, about 3000 EUR was transferred into Maysa’s bank account.

Maysa was able to establish his connection with the Russian secret service through an acquaintance with a Ukrainian professor.

He now faces up to 12 years in prison for his espionage activity.