Georgian Opposition Member Detained Amidst Fraud Allegations and EU Warnings

A prominent member of Georgia's opposition "United National Movement" (UNM) party, Lasha Tsanava, has been detained on charges of fraud, accused of facilitating residence permits for a fee. This development comes amidst heightened political tensions in the country and prior warnings from the party's founder, Mikheil Saakashvili, about planned arrests of UNM leaders.

The State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG) announced Tsanava's detention, stating he was accused of promising a foreign citizen assistance in obtaining a one-year residence permit in Georgia through his connections. For this alleged service, Tsanava reportedly demanded $5,600.

According to the investigation, a portion of the demanded sum was transferred to Tsanava's bank account on May 21, 2025. Subsequently, he allegedly persistently demanded the remaining amount. Further payments totaling $2,500 were reportedly made to Tsanava during in-person meetings in Tbilisi on May 30 and June 12, 2025. In total, the SSSG claims Tsanava fraudulently obtained $2,650 out of the requested $5,600.

The SSSG stated they possess audio and video evidence confirming the alleged crime, obtained through hidden investigative actions based on a court order. The investigation is being conducted under Article 180 of the Criminal Code, which carries a penalty of imprisonment for a term of 4 to 7 years.

The detention has drawn swift reactions from the opposition. Tina Bokuchava, the chair of the United National Movement, linked Tsanava's arrest to the party's rising ratings. This sentiment echoes a prior statement from the party's founder and former Georgian President, Mikheil Saakashvili, who had warned that the SSSG planned to accuse Levan Khabeishvili, the chairman of the UNM's political council, of attempting an armed coup, and to detain other party leaders in connection with this.

The incident also unfolds against a backdrop of international scrutiny. The European Union recently warned Georgia about the potential suspension of its visa-free regime. The EU's condition for avoiding this suspension is that Georgian authorities take steps to restore the rule of law and review the sentences of opposition representatives by August 31. In response, Tbilisi has stated that the EU's demands are "absurd" and that "peace and stability" are more important than the visa-free regime.

The investigation into Lasha Tsanava is ongoing, and his detention further fuels the political discourse in Georgia, intertwining allegations of corruption with broader concerns about the rule of law and the treatment of the opposition.