As a result of operative-searching and investigative activities carried out by the representatives of Investigation Service of the Ministry of Finance of Georgia, criminal prosecution was initiated against 5 persons, one of whom is a former official, on the fact of misappropriation of large amount of state property by deceit by manufacturing and using forged official documents and neglect of official duty.

Investigation determined that the accused, during the years of 2020-2021, using forged documents, with the help of false witnesses and as a result of improper performance of official duties by the employee of one of the municipality, fraudulently registered 4 land plots of 28 486 m2 in Mtskheta-Mtianeti region, with the total value of GEL 2 528 020.

It was also revealed that the accused had attempted to register fraudulently, 32 483 m2 additional 5 land plots worth of GEL 2 507 736 using forged documents, which was prevented as a result of the prompt and effective implementation of investigative activities.

During the investigation, illegally acquired land plots were seized.

Relevant legal procedures are in process to return the fraudulently acquired land plots to the state ownership.

The investigation is being continued under the Articles 362, 180 and 342 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which envisage imprisonment from 6 to 9 years.