Three arrested in Tbilisi over large-scale bribery case

The Investigative Service of the Ministry of Finance has arrested three individuals in connection with a large-scale bribery case, following investigative actions carried out by the agency.

The Ministry said the arrests included a senior specialist in the Budget-Finance and Procurement Department of the Samgori District Municipality in Tbilisi, for receiving a large bribe, an intermediary who assisted in the bribe transaction and a company representative in Tbilisi, for offering the bribe.

The investigation revealed that the public official used his position and an intermediary to solicit and receive 15,000 GEL in exchange for facilitating construction on state-owned land without the required permits. The bribe was handed over through the intermediary, and the suspects were arrested immediately after receiving the funds. The money was seized as evidence.

In a related incident in February 2026, the company representative provided another 15,000 GEL to the same official for facilitating unauthorized construction at a company-owned site.

The crime carries penalties of 7 to 11 years in prison for those convicted.