Georgia has arrested former head of former State Security Service Grigol Liluashvili on multiple bribery charges. If convicted, may receive a prison term of up to 15 years.
The Prosecutor General’s Office announced Liluashvili’s arrest in a press briefing on Tuesday morning, explaining that it followed a joint operation by investigators and the State Security Service itself. Prosecutor General Giorgi Gvarakidze said the first instance of bribery occurred in October 2022, when Liluashvili allegedly received 1 million USD from Turkish investor Cagatay Ulker. “The purpose of the payment was to secure lobbying support for the signing of a memorandum of cooperation related to the construction of wind power plants,” Gvarakidze said.
The arrest was made when the former official arrived at the agency for questioning. Liluashvili has been charged under the Georgian Criminal Code’s Article 338, related to bribery committed by an organized group and involving especially large sums. Liluashvili resigned as head of the State Security Service on April 2.
The former State Security Service head’s arrest seems to be part of the internal reshuffle within the ruling Georgia Dream party. Over the past few months, authorities have detained or questioned a number of people connected to Liluashvili, among them close associates, family members, and business partners, as the investigation has widened. Searches uncovered substantial amounts of cash, and prosecutors have indicated that further arrests are likely.
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