Georgian security services launch probe after government site exposes gas deal with Gazprom

17 January 2026 , 08:06

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Georgian security services launch probe after government site exposes gas deal with Gazprom

Georgian security services have launched an investigation into what they describe as a suspected cyberattack on a government website after journalists reported the publication of a decree containing confidential information about gas purchases from Russia’s Gazprom.

The controversy began after amendments to a March 2025 government decree regulating the purchase and delivery of natural gas by the state-owned Georgian Oil & Gas Corporation appeared on the official government portal. The decree referenced annexes marked as “commercial secret,” which journalists said included details of gas supplies from Gazprom.

Independent television channel Formula reported that the document was publicly accessible on the government website and aired a segment pointing this out. Presenter Eliso Jariashvili said in the broadcast that the decree remained online hours after being noticed. Although the annexes were blurred in the final report, an earlier teaser included what the channel said was a reference to gas purchases from Gazprom. The decree was later removed from the website.

Jariashvili said she contacted the Government Administration for comment before publishing but was told the information was classified. She also said representatives of investigative bodies later warned her not to release the material.

Georgia’s State Security Service announced on Thursday that it had opened a criminal case into a suspected cyberattack and alleged manipulation of the government website. The agency claimed the incident was aimed at harming the country’s state interests by spreading false information and said it had advised media outlets and individuals not to disseminate the document.

The journalist rejected the accusations, saying the information had been posted publicly by the authorities themselves. She argued that in a country governed by the rule of law, journalists have the right to distribute information that is officially published, adding that the decree suggested Georgia was increasing gas purchases from Russia, with part of the supplies allegedly bought at higher prices.

Gazprom has previously reported a significant increase in gas exports to Georgia in 2025, though it remains unclear whether the additional volumes were sold at higher prices. Georgia’s Government Administration said it did not know how classified information appeared on its website and declined further comment while the investigation continues.

Elizabeth Baker