Georgia’s municipal council member arrested in Spain on fraud charges

Former Vani Municipal Council member Bichiko Paikidze, who had been placed on a wanted list by Georgian authorities, has been arrested in Spain, according to the prosecution.

Case prosecutor Beka Khunashvili on Friday said that extradition procedures are currently underway. Paikidze’s arrest became known during a court hearing held earlier today.

Paikidze had previously been remanded in custody in absentia, and a search warrant had been issued against him.

Georgia’s State Security Service has charged Paikidze and five other individuals with large-scale fraud involving state funds. 

According to the Prosecutor’s Office, between June 2021 and September 2022, Paikidze - identified as the 100% shareholder of B. P. Trans - allegedly misappropriated GEL 4,184,249 belonging to the Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Georgia, with the assistance of the other defendants.

Investigators claimed the funds were obtained through fraudulent means.

If convicted, Paikidze faces up to nine years in prison. The company’s director and four employees face sentences ranging from six to nine years, according to the prosecution.