NBG starts auditing the bank, where Ivanishvili is co-owner

The National Bank of Georgia (NBG) is now auditing the Progress Bank, after part of its stock was bought by the Georgian billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili.

According to different sources, Bidzina Ivanishvili has bought from 8.67 to 10 percent of the Progress Bank. Besides, a cooperation memorandum was signed with the Cartu Bank, which belongs to the oppositional businessman.

"We have signed a cooperation memorandum with the Cartu Bank; and it will attract additional investments into economy of Georgia. This business agreement caused attention of the supervisory authority; and in a day, the NBG began auditing the Progress Bank," said Kakha Kaladze, the owner of the Progress Bank.

He believes that this is continuation of the "bank terror unleashed by hands of the NBG against the Cartu Bank, which is owned by Ivanishvili." According to the banker, now the terror "goes on against the Progress Bank," the "News-Georgia" reports.

"I reached out my hand of friendship to Bidzina Ivanishvili and offered him to stand together against the regime; and it all remains in force. I'm not the man who expresses his support in words only," said Kaladze.

The information about the work with the Progress Bank and start of the audit was confirmed on November 23 by Nodar Javakhishvili, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Cartu Bank.

According to his story, "Ivanishvili wants to own 25 percent of the Progress Bank, but the decision on this issue is still pending," the "PirWeli" Agency reports.

The NBG, which is auditing, from October 19, also the Ivanishvili's Cartu Bank, has confirmed the auditing of the Progress Bank, but refused to give details, the "Interfax" reports.