Irakli Garibashvili, Georgia’s former Prime Minister, has been charged with large-scale money laundering. This development follows a raid on his home in which investigators reportedly found $6.5 million in cash. Garibashvili, aged 43, has served two non-consecutive terms as prime minister during the leadership of billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili. He has pleaded guilty to corruption charges that could result in a 12-year prison sentence but has been granted bail of one million Georgian lari, approximately $368,000.
These charges are part of a broader trend of detentions involving former government officials, but Garibashvili is the first senior member of the ruling elite to face prosecution. The allegations suggest that during his tenure as defense minister and prime minister, he engaged in covert business activities and received substantial illegal income, which he is accused of laundering and misrepresenting as gifts from family members. His lawyer confirmed that Garibashvili is cooperating with authorities.
Garibashvili’s political career began in 2011 when he joined Ivanishvili’s Georgian Dream party. He signed Georgia’s Association Agreement with the European Union in 2014. However, over recent years, Garibashvili has facilitated a shift away from the EU, fostering closer ties with Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Political analyst Ghia Nodia suggests that Garibashvili’s downfall reflects a growing mistrust from Ivanishvili toward his former allies.
The political climate in Georgia remains unstable, especially following contested parliamentary elections that were not recognized by the then-president. Ongoing protests have erupted since the government’s announcement in late 2024 regarding the suspension of EU membership talks. Opponents of the government have faced significant repression, with many in jail and increased legislation targeting civil society and media.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjekw5jxw89o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss