: Oniani has been considered one of the "thieves-in-law" (a term used to describe high-ranking members of organized crime groups, particularly in the former Soviet Union), which signifies his top-tier status within certain criminal organizations.
: His position likely involves overseeing significant criminal operations, mediating disputes within the criminal world, and possibly orchestrating large-scale criminal enterprises. tariel oniani prime crime top
The conflict culminated in a brazen act of violence that shocked even seasoned investigators. In September 2008, a sniper shot and killed Vyacheslav Ivankov, known as "Yaponchik," a legendary thief who had attempted to mediate the peace between Oniani and Usoyan. The assassination of Yaponchik was a violation of the "Thieves' Code," which forbids killing a crowned thief without a formal congregation (skhodka). Many in the underworld suspected Oniani of ordering the hit to prevent his rivals from uniting against him. : Oniani has been considered one of the
: Oniani's operations are not confined to Georgia; he has been linked to criminal activities in several countries, including Russia, Turkey, and Spain. His international connections have facilitated a wide range of criminal enterprises. In September 2008, a sniper shot and killed
Tariel Oniani's notorious legacy serves as a reminder of the challenges posed by organized crime in the region. His activities highlight the need for continued efforts to combat corruption, strengthen law enforcement, and promote stability.
In January 2013, Usoyan was also killed by a sniper in Moscow. While other suspects like Rovshan Janiyev
in a maximum-security prison for the 2009 kidnapping of a businessman. Extradition: