As a result of operative-searching and investigative activities, representatives of Mtskheta-Mtianeti Division of Investigation Department of Investigation Service of Ministry of Finance of Georgia, detained 2 persons on the fact of manufacturing and sale of counterfeit meat products and cheating on consumers by a group of persons with preliminary agreement.

Investigation determined, that the accused persons, along with other persons, involved in the criminal group, had artificially arranged an animal slaughterhouse in one of the residential houses in Mtskheta Municipality, where, without the proper permission, in violation of the mandatory veterinary-sanitary procedures provided by the law, they used to process beef, including diseased or dead horse and donkey meat, which was sold in the form of beef from a vehicle located at one of the markets in Tbilisi.

As a result of Investigative Activities, a large amount of horse meat, prepared for sale, waste of various goods, including donkeys and two foals, intended for slaughter, were found on the area of the above-mentioned slaughterhouse.

Investigation is underway under the third part of article 197 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, article 1971 and the second part of article 219 of Criminal Code of Georgia, which envisages imprisonment from 5 to 7 years.

The relevant investigative activities are underway in order to identify other persons with possible criminal connections with the accused persons.