Former Georgian Prime Minister admits to years of illegal income

Former Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Garibashvili, has admitted to receiving illegal income over an extended period, Emzar Gagnidze, director of the Anti-Corruption Agency of the State Security Service of Georgia, said during a press briefing.

Garibashvili has been questioned by investigators and is said to be fully cooperating with the ongoing probe, Caliber.Az reports, citing Georgian media.  

Authorities are currently evaluating the legal classification of his actions, and the court may soon determine appropriate preventive measures based on the evidence gathered thus far.

“In connection with ongoing criminal cases, intensive and complex investigative operations are underway,” Gagnidze said. “In recent days, this has included search operations carried out at various locations, including the residences of former senior political figures and individuals closely linked to them.”

On October 17, law enforcement conducted raids at the homes of several high-profile figures, including Garibashvili himself, former Head of the State Security Service Grigol Liluashvili, and former Prosecutor General Otar Partskhaladze. Authorities reportedly seized $7.22 million in cash, gold jewelry, and valuable artworks during the searches.

By Vafa Guliyeva