**Three High-Ranking Officials Arrested in Georgia Over Embezzlement Scandal**
In a significant move to combat corruption, three high-ranking officials in Georgia have been arrested on charges of embezzling millions of dollars from the Ministry of Defense. The arrests were made by the Anti-Corruption Agency of the State Security Service of Georgia, following an investigation that exposed a sophisticated scheme to siphon funds from the state budget.
According to Emzar Gagnidze, Director of the Anti-Corruption Agency, the scandal involved the embezzlement of 1.3 billion Lari (GEL) from the Ministry of Defense in 2023. The investigation revealed that a group of individuals, including former Deputy Minister of Defense G.Kh., former Head of the Procurement Department V.G., and a close relative of the then Minister of Defense V.M., had worked together to orchestrate the scheme.
The alleged masterminds behind the embezzlement used their official positions to manipulate procurement procedures for medical equipment. They ensured that only companies closely connected to V.M. could participate in the bidding process, and then artificially inflated the purchase price through fake transactions and forged tax documents.
As Gagnidze explained, the scheme was designed to guarantee wins for pre-selected companies involved in the procurement process. V.M., who was a close relative of the then Minister of Defense, used his connections with relevant officials as a guarantee of success.
**A Scheme of Corruption**
The investigation has exposed a shocking level of corruption within Georgia’s Ministry of Defense. The scheme, which caused a minimum financial loss of 1.3 billion GEL to the state, is believed to have been orchestrated by individuals who abused their official positions for personal gain.
“This is a grave example of how corruption can undermine trust in public institutions,” said Emzar Gagnidze. “We will continue to investigate and expose those responsible for this heinous crime.”
The arrested officials face serious charges under Article 182 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which carries a sentence of 7-11 years imprisonment.
**A Warning to Corrupt Officials**
The arrests in Georgia send a strong message to corrupt officials that they will be held accountable for their actions. The State Security Service’s Anti-Corruption Agency has demonstrated its commitment to rooting out corruption and restoring trust in public institutions.
As the investigation continues, it is likely that more individuals involved in the embezzlement scheme will be identified and brought to justice. This case serves as a reminder that corruption will not be tolerated in Georgia, and those who engage in such activities will face severe consequences.
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