Jailed Georgian businessman accuses Russian FSB and local officials of plotting his assasination

Detained Georgian businessman Giorgi Chikvaidze has made explosive claims from prison, alleging that the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB), in cooperation with Georgian authorities, is planning his assassination. In a statement posted to social media, Chikvaidze said that his killing would be disguised as a medical complication stemming from a congenital kidney condition and blood platelet issues.

Chikvaidze claims he was poisoned on March 13 and now suffers from partial vision loss, skin damage, and is wheelchair-bound. He has called on the public, international diplomats, and Georgia’s Ombudsman to intervene, requesting 24-hour monitoring of his prison cell. He said he would no longer consume food or water provided by the prison, relying only on items sent by his family.

The businessman alleges that he possesses sensitive material detailing how Russian intelligence, with help from current and former officials of the ruling Georgian Dream party, has attempted to recruit high-ranking Western officials. He vowed not to cooperate with Georgian investigators, whom he accuses of shielding those behind the plot, but said he is ready to share documents and testimony with US and European authorities.

Chikvaidze was initially released on bail after being charged with embezzlement of a significant amount of money. However, on March 11, the court revoked his bail and ordered his pre-trial detention. He subsequently accused the ruling party’s founder, billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, and Chief Prosecutor Giorgi Gabitashvili of corruption, placing responsibility for his arrest on what he termed the “Russian regime.”