Ten people, including journalist Eliso Kiladze and Georgia’s former prosecutor general, Otar Partskhaladze, are facing criminal prosecution on fraud and money-laundering charges linked to alleged scam call centers, the Prosecutor General’s Office announced on February 18.
The announcement followed the morning arrest of journalist Eliso Kiladze, editor-in-chief of Cnews and Kronika+ media outlets.
Prosecutor Mikheil Sadradze said charges have been filed in absentia against former Prosecutor General Otar Partskhaladze, who is no longer in Georgia and reportedly holds Russian citizenship, as well as Davit Mikadze, Irakli Sekhniashvili, and Mikheil Chokheli.
Davit Mikadze’s brother, Giorgi Mikadze, who is also charged, is jailed in a separate case over the alleged contract and organized killing of businessman Levan Jangveladze. Otar Partskhaladze and Davit Mikadze are also charged in absentia in the Jangveladze case, which journalist Eliso Kiladze closely covered.
The other four individuals charged in the new case are Givi Jibladze, Ben Anor, Tornike Janelidze, and Giorgi Kamladze. Prosecutor Sadradze said they “cooperated effectively with the investigation and not only admitted to the crimes committed but also substantially contributed to uncovering the transnational crime.” He added that, taking into account their cooperation with the investigation, the prosecution is requesting bail for them while seeking pretrial detention for the other defendants.
All face nine to twelve years in prison.
More to follow…