**Georgian Airways Embroiled in Controversy Over Alleged Kidnapping of Former Aide**
The Georgian government’s airline, Georgian Airways, is facing scrutiny after reports emerged that one of its VIP aircraft was allegedly used to transport a former aide to Bidzina Ivanishvili, the country’s billionaire and former Prime Minister. The former aide, Giorgi Bachaishvili, claims he was kidnapped from abroad, blindfolded, and brought back to Georgia in violation of all laws.
According to Business Media Georgia (BM.Ge), a Bombardier CRJ aircraft landed in Abu Dhabi on May 26 and allegedly flew with its navigation transponder disabled for most of the journey. The plane departed again at 18:25 local time, once more disabling its transponder mid-air. This made it impossible to track the flight’s origin or destination.
The next day, Georgia’s State Security Service (SSSG) announced Bachaishvili’s arrest, stating that they had received an anonymous tip claiming he was spotted near the “green border zone” between Red Bridge and Sadakhlo. However, Bachaishvili offered a different account in a May 29 court hearing, alleging that he was kidnapped on May 24.
**Kidnapping Allegations**
Bachaishvilli’s lawyer, Davit Jandieri, confirmed with Interpressnews that Bachaishvilli was flown in aboard the Bombardier aircraft. He described the flight as a “special charter” and stated that his client is capable of identifying several other passengers on board. However, he declined to name the country where Bachaishvilli was allegedly detained.
“This was not the territory of the Caucasus and was not consistent with the statement made by the State Security Service,” Jandieri said. “I know the approximate location, but I cannot talk about such details.”
**Government Denials**
In response to inquiries from BM.Ge, Georgian Airways declined to confirm or deny the aircraft’s involvement. However, in comments to Formula TV, the airline insisted that all flights in and out of international airports are subject to oversight.
“It is impossible for any citizen to board or depart from any international airport on any airline in an illegal manner,” the airline said. “This process is monitored by many relevant structures, and such accusations are completely baseless and meaningless.”
**SSSG Silence**
The SSSG has not responded to the abduction claims.
**Background**
Bachaishvilli fled Georgia on March 9, citing fears of imminent arrest. He was sentenced in absentia to 11 years in prison on charges of embezzling cryptocurrency and laundering funds allegedly linked to Georgian billionaire and former Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili.
