Two arrested for Illegal seizure, sale of state land in Bakhmaro resort area

Georgia’s Anti-Corruption Agency has detained individuals for attempting to sell and build illegally on state-owned land in Bakhmaro and other resort zones.

The Anti-Corruption Agency of the State Security Service has detained two individuals in Bakhmaro, Chokhatauri Municipality, on charges related to the illegal occupation and sale of state-owned land, as well as unauthorized construction in resort areas.

At a briefing, Emzar Gagnidze, head of the Anti-Corruption Agency, said the investigation revealed that one of the detainees demanded USD 11,000 from a citizen in exchange for assistance in obtaining and developing state-owned land illegally. The suspect allegedly requested USD 7,000 in advance, promising that after payment, the citizen would be able to build a cottage on state property without facing any interference from local authorities.

On 6 November, the citizens paid the agreed USD 7,000 advance. The suspect then met with the Deputy Director of the Bakhmaro Resort municipal entity, who was aware of the illegal scheme. The suspect offered to share part of the money in exchange for protecting the unlawful construction, but the official refused, citing newly appointed municipal leadership. However, he also failed to report the crime to law enforcement authorities.

Investigators, acting under a court order, carried out covert investigative measures and obtained audio and video evidence documenting the criminal acts.

The investigation is ongoing under Articles 19 and 180 (3)(b) and Article 376 (1) of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which concern attempted large-scale fraud and failure to report a serious crime. The offenses are punishable by six to nine years of imprisonment.

The State Security Service said it will continue to prioritize identifying and preventing similar offenses.

“We call on all citizens who intend to illegally appropriate or build on state-owned land, whether in resort areas or elsewhere, to abandon such criminal intentions and comply with the law. Otherwise, they will face severe legal consequences,”
– said Emzar Gagnidze.