**Former Deputy Economy Minister Arrested for Corruption and Money Laundering**
In a significant development, the State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG) has arrested Romeo Mikautadze, a former Deputy Economy Minister, on charges of money laundering and power abuse. The arrest comes as part of a broader crackdown on corruption in the country.
According to the SSSG, Mikautadze used his official authority to grant unfair advantages to individuals in the energy sector, resulting in large personal gains for him and his associates. He is accused of using his position to register individuals in state or private organizations, giving them access to valuable resources and assets. This abuse of power allegedly damaged the interests of the state and led to Mikautadze accumulating millions of Georgian lari in wealth.
Mikautadze held several senior government positions between 2017 and 2024, serving as First Deputy Economy Minister under Levan Davitashvili from 2022 to 2024. His tenure was marked by allegations of corruption and power abuse. The SSSG stated that Mikautadze’s family wealth increased significantly during his time in office.
**Elite Corruption and the Ruling Party**
The arrest is seen as a significant blow to the ruling Georgian Dream party, which has faced intense scrutiny over its handling of corruption cases. In recent months, there have been allegations of elite corruption schemes involving high-ranking officials, including former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili.
The opposition-leaning channel TV Pirveli had earlier described Mikautadze as a “close friend” of then-PM Garibashvili, who recently quit both the ruling party and politics altogether. This development has sparked concerns about the party’s accountability for its officials’ actions.
**Tougher Laws on Financial Crimes**
The arrest comes as the Georgian Dream party is working to pass legislation that would restrict individuals convicted of financial crimes from leaving the country, even after serving their prison sentences. The bill aims to prevent convicted individuals from fleeing and avoid compensating victims for damages caused.
MP Mamuka Mdinaradze confirmed that the legislation was inspired by the case of Giorgi Bachiashvili, a former close associate of Georgian Dream founder Bidzina Ivanishvili. Bachiashvili was sentenced in absentia to 11 years in prison on charges of embezzlement and money laundering.
The ruling party’s efforts to address corruption are seen as an attempt to improve its public image ahead of the next parliamentary elections.
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