Prosecutor: ex-defence minister Burchuladze personally handed ex-PM Garibashvili ₾750,000 in bribes

Former Georgian prime minister Irakli Garibashvili received GEL 750,000 in cash as a bribe directly from then-defence minister Juansher Burchuladze, prosecutor Ani Lekhiashvili said on Tuesday.

She claimed the payment was part of an alleged scheme surrounding Defence Ministry tenders worth a combined GEL 19 million for the purchase of equipment and medical supplies for the Gori Military Hospital.

Lekhiashvili said the then-prime minister, Garibashvili, allegedly provided political protection and guarantees for the procurement process, while 10% of the total contract value was allegedly brought to Vasili Mkheidze, from whom GEL 750,000 was allegedly taken in cash by Garibashvili.

"Juansher Burchuladze personally handed GEL 750,000 in cash to Irakli Garibashvili as a bribe," the prosecutor said.

She said the prosecution had gathered witness testimony, written documents, physical evidence and other materials which provided sufficient grounds to bring the new charge against Garibashvili.

According to the prosecutor, an investigation into the possible involvement of other individuals was separated from the criminal case involving Burchuladze and other defendants in November 2025. Investigative and procedural measures continued until prosecutors considered the evidence sufficient to charge Garibashvili.

Garibashvili's preliminary hearing has been scheduled for 19 October at 11:00.

The Prosecutor's Office charged Garibashvili on 24 August with accepting a particularly large bribe as part of a group while holding a state political position. The charge carries a potential prison sentence of 11 to 15 years.