**Former Head of Co-investment Fund Speaks Out**
Giorgi Bachiaashvili, the former head of the Co-investment Fund, has spoken to Interpressnews in an exclusive interview at the courthouse. He was discussing his case, where he is accused of unlawful appropriation of bitcoins worth up to $43 million.
**President of National Bank Involved**
Bachiaashvili mentioned that President of the National Bank Natia Turnava is listed as a witness on the prosecution side. In response, Bachiaashvili said “the fox has brought its tail as a witness,” a Georgian proverb that fits perfectly in this situation.
**Forensic Expert Analysis Questioned**
The former head of the Co-investment Fund also commented on the conclusion from forensic expert Samkharauli’s analysis presented by the prosecution. The analysis claims that a recording of a conversation between Bidzina Ivanishvili and Bachiaashvili is a montage. However, Bachiaashvili said that this claim is “laughable” as it fails to recognize his voice and Ivanishvili’s voice in the conversation.
**Recording Disproves Accusations**
Bachiaashvili believes that when the court listens to the audio recording, no expert will be needed to determine who the speakers are. He added that a German specialist has examined the recording and hopes to receive an answer from a real expert bureau soon. The content of the recording is a 10-minute phone conversation between Bachiaashvilli and Ivanishvili discussing a loan agreement.
**Ivanishvili’s Second Testimony**
Bachiaashvili also spoke about Bidzina Ivanishvili’s second testimony, where he says that the recording is basically correct but maybe there was some manipulation. This contradicts Ivanishvili’s first testimony and creates new doubts.
**Charges Against Bachiaashvilli**
For the record, the charges presented against Giorgi Bachiashvili relate to actions taken in 2017. The prosecutor’s office accuses him of paying only $536,900 for the total profit received from an investor’s investment while unlawfully appropriating the remaining 8,986 bitcoins belonging to the investor.
**Bail and Restrictive Measures**
Bachiaashvilli has been set a bail of 2.5 million GEL and additional restrictive measures have been imposed. The action carries a sentence of imprisonment from 9 to 12 years.
Read More @ www.interpressnews.ge
