As a result of an operative-searching and investigative activities, the officers of Anti-corruption Agency under the State Security Service of Georgia in cooperation with the employees of the Ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, detained Zakaria Kinkladze, the Head of the Division of Environment Patrol and Rapid Respond Unit of Kakheti Regional Division of the Environmental Supervision Department under the Ministry of Environment Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, on the fact of bribery by the court decision. On the fact of illegal bribe-giving there are also detained.

“The investigation established, that Giorgi A., Gocha P. and Vazha P. conspired to receive illegal income by illegal cutting of trees and bushes for further realization of wood. They offered a high-ranking official of the Division of Environment Patrol and Rapid Respond Unit of Kakheti Regional Division 3000 USD per month as a bribe in return for protection. Gocha P. paid the promised amount to the mentioned person.

Investigation also established, that Ramaz L. intended to receive illegal income by illegal cutting of trees and bushes and for further realization of wood in the village Orvlia under Akhmeta Municipality. Ramaz L. offered the mentioned person 10 000 GEL in return for protection and handed the part of the amount, 8000 GEL.

Moreover, Ramaz L. handed 2500 GEL as a bribe to Zakaria Kinkladze, the Head of the Division of Environment Patrol and Rapid Respond Unit of Kakheti Regional Division, in return for his help with the procedures in place. The amounts of 3000 USD and 8000 GEL, paid as a bribe, have been seized as evidence”, – the statement released by the State Security Service reads.

Investigation on the fact of bribery and bribe-giving is in progress (Article 338, Part I and Article 339, Part II of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which envisages from 6 to 9 and from 4 to 7 years of imprisonment). The investigation is carried out by Anti-corruption Agency under the State Security Service of Georgia.