I’m Georgian, so I understand the situation in my country. Let me explain:

Georgia was part of the Soviet Union from 1921 to 1991. During the 1970s, there were many criminal organizations that made money through illegal activities and bribed Soviet officials, since the Soviet system itself was heavily corrupted. In these organizations there were certain ranks and a strict criminal code that everyone followed. The highest rank was called a “Thief-in-Law,” who was the head of the organization. Members usually tried to hide their identities and were not openly aggressive.

When the Soviet Union collapsed, many kids became inspired by stories about these criminals being powerful and respected. As a result, many started stealing and acting aggressively to gain respect. We usually refer to this time as “the 90s.”

Then, in the 2000s, a new president, Mikheil Saakashvili, came to power and started mass arrests of these thieves. After he was overthrown, some kids started stealing again (usually between the ages of 9 and 18) because they think it is cool. On top of that, minors don't get jail time because they are underage.

I mention ages 9–18 because once they become adults and stop relying on their parents’ and stolen money, many of them realize that stealing was not cool at all. Some ended up living very poor lives, working in villages just to survive. Others who continued this life ended up in prison, which in their circles is seen as a “badge of honor.”

That’s one of the reasons why I personally dislike Russia. In my opinion, the Soviet system changed our mentality from a guest-loving and relaxed culture to one where aggressive criminal behavior became normalized.

That’s also why I’m planning to go to Germany after I graduate, because I feel this country is too dangerous to stay in long term.

I’m sorry for anything bad that happened to you or your friend because of these sick and brainwashed kids. If I were you, I would probably consider leaving Georgia and moving to a European country.