Tbilisi: Russia’s smuggling in goods via Georgia to bypass sanctions impossible

The Georgian Ministry of Finance has responded to recent allegations by the Ukrainian intelligence over using of Georgia by Russia to smuggle in various goods, stating that the accusations are groundless as “Georgia is committed to international sanctions imposed on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine and all  products that are included on the list of sanctions, are subject to strict customs control by the Georgian government.”

The main Intelligence Division of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and the Vice Prime Minister of the country Irina Vereshchuk have accused the Georgian Dream government of giving an approval to Russian smugglers to use the Georgian territory. 

“From the very first days of the imposition of sanctions on Russia  by the international community, Georgia has been exercising strict control over all customs checkpoints in the country and has been monitoring incoming and outgoing cargo,” said the Georgian Finance Ministry.

The ministry stated  with “full responsibility” that any type of goods, both military and dual-use, as well as all the products that are included on the list of sanctions, have been subject to strict customs control by the Georgian government.

“It should be noted that all our international partners are informed about this in detail.

Georgia will continue to exercise strict control in this area and share information with partners,” said the ministry.

Vereshchuk said that no one requested Georgia to get involved in the war, noting that “at least you are able  not to hinder the enforcement of international sanctions on Russia.”