Russia issues international arrest warrant for ex-Defense Minister of Georgia Kezerashvili

Russia has issued an international arrest warrant for Davit Kezerashvili, Georgia’s former defense minister, accusing him of large-scale fraud. According to the Russian state news agency TASS, a Moscow court ordered Kezerashvili’s arrest in absentia.

Kezerashvili has been added to Russia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs wanted list. He faces charges under Article 159, Part 4, of the Russian Criminal Code, which pertains to fraud “on an especially large scale.”

TASS reported that Moscow’s Lefortovo Court confirmed Kezerashvili’s arrest in absentia, adding that the decision was not appealed by his representatives and has thus taken legal effect.

In addition to fraud allegations, Russian authorities have linked Kezerashvili to military crimes during the 2008 Russia-Georgia war.

Kezerashvili, a co-founder of the Georgian TV channel Formula, also faces several criminal charges in Georgia, including accusations related to the controversial “call center” fraud scheme.