Irakli Garibashvili, Georgia's former Prime Minister, has appeared in court on charges of large-scale money laundering. Prosecutors reported that $6.5 million (£4.9 million) in cash was discovered during a raid on his home earlier this month. Garibashvili has pleaded guilty to corruption charges that could lead to a 12-year jail term and has been granted bail of one million Georgian lari ($368,000; £277,000).
Background and Allegations
Mr. Garibashvili, 43, served as Prime Minister of Georgia twice, from 2013-2015 and again from 2021 until January of last year. He was formerly associated with billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, who is often described as Georgia's influential figure.
Prosecutors allege that while serving as Defence Minister and then Prime Minister between 2019 and 2024, Mr. Garibashvili "secretly and covertly engaged in various types of business activities and received a particularly large amount of income of illegal origin." He is accused of subsequently laundering this income and making false declarations that the money was gifts from family members.
Legal Proceedings
Mr. Garibashvili's lawyer, Amiran Giguashvili, stated that his client is cooperating with authorities. The court reportedly considered his agreement to the charges and his cooperation with the investigation when granting bail.
This case marks the first prosecution of a senior member of Georgia's governing elite, occurring amid a series of detentions involving other former government officials.