Ex-Security Head Arrested in Georgia

The ex-chief of Georgia's State Security Service (SSG), Grigol Liluashvili, is in custody. The announcement came directly from Prosecutor General Giorgi Gvarakidze during a press conference.

Gvarakidze stated that Liluashvili is accused of taking bribes related to a number of criminal investigations.

Sources say that back in October 2022, Liluashvili allegedly took a million dollars from Cagatay Ulker, a Turkish investor. The money supposedly passed through Romeo Mikautadze, who at the time held the position of First Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development. The allegation is that this payment was for Liluashvili to push for a cooperation agreement about building wind power plants.

Going back even further, in February of the same year, Liluashvili is said to have asked for and received 1.5 million GEL from Giorgi Khajalia, who founded the company Express-service 2008. Again, Mikautadze is mentioned as the go-between. This payment was supposedly for help in winning gasification contracts.

These aren't isolated incidents. The accusation is that the ex-SSG head took large bribes on several other occasions. If convicted on these charges, he could face a prison term ranging from 11 to 15 years.

The prosecution is expected to ask the court to decide on how to restrain the accused during the legal process.

Liluashvili voluntarily went to the prosecutor's office to answer questions.

Ekho Kavkaza had previously reported that at least a couple of people close to him have also been arrested.

These developments are part of a larger push. Georgian authorities have stated they are opening several major anti-corruption cases. One notable case involves former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili who is accused of large-scale money laundering. He has been released on bail set at one million GEL, and his trial is scheduled to start in February. Law enforcement is thoroughly investigating every aspect of these accusations to make sure justice is served. The public is watching these cases closely, as they could have a big impact on Georgia'ss political landscape.

The investigation is digging into financial records, questioning witnesses, and gathering all available proof to build a strong case. The anti-corruption drive shows the government's dedication to accountability.