Police Seek Victims of Bethesda Karate Instructor Charged in Child Porn Filming

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A Bethesda karate studio owner who admitted trading in child pornography has reportedly fled the country as police investigate whether he filmed sexual encounters in a Chevy Chase martial arts studio.

Montgomery County Police have issued an arrest warrant for Alexander Soumbadze, 26, of Bethesda, charging him with eight counts of possession of child pornography. Detectives allege Soumbadze also had inappropriate contact with unidentified, adolescent males in a karate studio in Chevy Chase karate studio, and they want to speak with these victims to determine if additional criminal charges should be filed.

In December of 2014, Montgomery County Police were notified by South Dakota authorities that someone in Montgomery County was uploading child pornography to the Internet. That online user was identified as Soumbadze.

A search warrant was executed April 1 at Soumbadze’s Bethesda home and he reportedly told police he traded and received child pornography. Electronic devices seized from Soumbadze contained eight videos of child pornography.

Investigators also discovered videos of Soumbadze improperly touching and engaging in sexual acts with adolescent boys and young adults who seem to know they are being filmed.

Detectives say the videos were taken before October 2011 at a karate studio formerly known as DC Martial Arts, 6936 Wisconsin Avenue in Chevy Chase. At that time, Soumbadze was an instructor at the studio. In October of 2011, the business changed ownership; Soumbadze became a partner in the business and the studio name changed to On The Mat Sports International.

Soumbadze has been affiliated with the karate studio since he was a child and attended the studio as a student.

Detectives would like to identify and speak to these victims shown on the videos to determine if criminal acts occurred. Victim information will be confidential and police urge victims to call investigators.

Investigators have determined that on or about April 3, Soumbadze fled the United States with a possible final destination of the country of Georgia in Eastern Europe. A warrant has been issued for his arrest for possession of child pornography. The investigation into these additional seized videos remains ongoing.

Investigators ask anyone who was a victim of inappropriate contact with Soumbadze to call the Special Victims Investigations Division at 240-773-5406.

»Photo of Alexander Soumbadze, 26, of Bethesda, courtesy of Montgomery County Police

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