Two arrested in Georgia over large-scale storage, transport of unstamped alcohol

Investigators from Georgia’s Ministry of Finance have arrested two individuals on charges of illegally storing and transporting large quantities of alcohol without excise stamps.

The arrests followed operational-search measures and investigative actions. Authorities on Monday said the suspects allegedly stored and transported various brands of alcohol subject to mandatory excise marking, with the intention of selling them for financial gain.

The seized products reportedly included alcohol marketed under the names Beluga, Grey Goose, Neft, Absolut, Snezhnaya Bars and Svedskaya. The estimated value of the alcohol exceeds 140,000 lari.

The Investigative Service said the suspects were detained on charges related to the storage and transportation of non-excise goods.

The crime carries a prison sentence of between six and eight years if convicted, the agency said.