Former Deputy Head of Georgia's Revenue Service Arrested in Absentia

THIS MATERIAL (INFORMATION) WAS PRODUCED AND DISTRIBUTED BY FOREIGN AGENT MEMO LLC, OR CONCERNING THE ACTIVITIES OF FOREIGN AGENT MEMO LLC.

A Tbilisi court has arrested former Deputy Head of the Revenue Service Vladimir Khundadze in absentia, accused of abuse of office. According to the prosecutor's office, he assisted an acquaintance in importing products for the production of counterfeit alcoholic beverages.

According to the agency, Khundadze was personally acquainted with Boris Gogichaishvili, who, together with accomplices, produced whiskey and vodka in Gori under the trademarks of well-known foreign brands.

To ensure the safe import of the products needed for the production of these alcoholic beverages into Georgia, Gogichaishvili turned to Khundadze, who, in accordance with his official duties, was responsible for monitoring and overseeing customs procedures, Georgia Online reported on November 1.

Khundadze assisted Gogichaishvili with the import of the products and their customs clearance. Moreover, according to the prosecutor's office, Khundadze knew what crimes Gogichaishvili and his accomplices were committing.

The Tbilisi City Court arrested Khundadze in absentia because he is currently not in Georgia. According to lawyer Zurab Tabidze, the court's decision is illegal, as Khundadze left for treatment in Turkey 15-20 days ago and was not charged with any crimes upon crossing the border. According to the lawyer, his client didn't even know he was about to be charged.

The lawyer also reported that Khundadze has been scheduled for surgery, so even informing him of his arrest in absentia is unlikely.

* Meta (owner of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp) is banned in Russia.