Georgian Parliament Vice Speaker raises questions over large money transfers to opposition leader Elene Khoshtaria’s family from Russia

Giorgi Kakhiani, the Vice Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, on Tuesday expressed concern over large sums of money transferred from Russia to the bank account of the father of the domestic opposition leader Elene Khoshtaria.

In his remarks, Kakhiani noted that the nature and timing of the transfers raised suspicions and required further examination.

“We are talking about quite large sums. What kind of payments does her family receive? Such transfers often coincide with the so-called ‘peaceful overthrows’, revolutions, and other actions announced by the radical opposition. Therefore, I believe this should also become a subject of investigation”, the Vice Speaker said.

The Georgian Interior Ministry on Monday arrested the opposition leader Elene Khoshtaria for damaging campaign banners of Kakha Kaladze, the ruling Georgian Dream party's candidate for Tbilisi Mayor.

Imedi TV has learned that just hours after the detention of the Georgian opposition politician Elene Khoshtaria, her father, Gogi Khoshtaria, received a transfer of ₽9 million (Russian ruble) - approximately $110 000 - from the Russian budget.

In 2022, Khoshtaria confirmed transfers of funds from Russia to the account of her family member, and said the money involved royalties from a Russian theatre as her father was the successor of Soliko Virsaladze, a famed Georgian scenographer who produced set and costume designs in theatres, including venues based in Russia.