Georgian State Security Service reveals massive seizures in high-profile corruption probe involving former officials

The Georgian State Security Service on Saturday announced the seizure of over USD 7 million in cash, precious items, and extensive documentation during searches of residences linked to former high-ranking officials, former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, former Head of the State Security Service Grigol Liluashvili, and former Chief Prosecutor Otar Partskhaladze.

The State Security Service noted that the Agency conducted raids across multiple districts, uncovered substantial assets and digital evidence, signalling a deepening probe into alleged illicit activities.

“Due to high public interest, we will provide additional information to the public regarding the comprehensive operation conducted yesterday. As you already know, yesterday starting at 10:00 am, 24 apartments and residential houses were searched across the country. Personal searches were also conducted. The operation took place in Tbilisi as well as in Dedoplistskaro, Vani, Chokhatauri, and Borjomi districts. The residences of citizens Irakli Garibashvili, Grigol Liluashvili, Otar Partskhaladze, Romeo Mikautadze, Mikheil Chokheli, Vano and Tornike Parkhulia, Andria (alias Sandro) Liluashvili, and their family members were searched. The operation involved up to 230 employees from the Prosecutor General’s Office of Georgia and the State Security Service”, the statement said.

“As a result, cash totalling USD 7,002,200 USD and 136,000 GEL, 198 units of precious items and watches, valuable paintings, documentation spanning several thousand pages, 50 mobile phones, and 119 electronic devices were seized from various locations”, the statement noted.

The Agency emphasised collaborative efforts with the Prosecutor's Office to analyse findings and pursue legal accountability.

“Currently, employees of the State Security Service and the Investigative Unit of the Prosecutor General’s Office of Georgia are jointly conducting intensive examination and processing of the aforementioned documentation and information contained on the electronic devices. Additionally, the real origin of the seized cash is being determined, after which further investigative-operational actions will be planned based on the processed information, and appropriate legal responses will be taken against relevant individuals”, the Agency concluded.