**Former Head of Rural Development Agency Held in Pre-Trial Detention**
The Tbilisi City Court has made a significant decision in the ongoing investigation into corruption within Georgia’s government. Tornike Kapanadze, the former head of the Rural Development Agency, has been ordered to be held in pre-trial detention as a measure of restraint.
This move was welcomed by the prosecution, who had requested the judge to uphold their motion for detention. However, the defense had argued that Kapanadze should be released on bail of 150,000 GEL. Unfortunately for them, the judge sided with the prosecution, and Kapanadze will now face a period of pre-trial detention.
**The Investigation Unfolds**
According to the investigation led by the Investigative Service of the Ministry of Finance, Kapanadze was involved in a large-scale corruption scheme that spanned several years. The Rural Development Agency had been co-financing the purchase of agricultural equipment for individuals and sole proprietors since 2019, based on a government decree.
However, between 2021 and 2024, Kapanadze allegedly worked with other members of an organized group to embezzle large sums of money allocated under this program. They used forged documents to carry out their illicit activities, resulting in damage exceeding 800,000 GEL.
**The Charges**
Kapanadze has been charged with serious offenses under the Criminal Code of Georgia, including unlawful appropriation of another person’s property in large amounts by fraud (Article 180), fabrication and use of fake tax documents in a group (Article 210), and fabrication and use of fake official documents (Article 362). These charges carry penalties of up to 10 years’ imprisonment.
The Prosecutor’s Office has stated that the investigation is ongoing, and further details will be revealed as the case progresses. This decision sends a strong message about the government’s commitment to rooting out corruption and bringing those responsible to justice.
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