Georgia’s Prosecutor General launches probe into NBG official following corruption referral

Georgian Prosecutor General’s Office has opened a criminal investigation into alleged corruption by a senior public official. The investigation followed a direct referral from the National Bank of Georgia, based on complaints submitted by senior executives at Bitexchange LLC.

The probe has been launched under Article 337 of the Criminal Code, which penalises the unlawful involvement of a public official or equivalent person in commercial activity.

“According to filings and accompanying audio recordings submitted to the National Bank of Georgia by executives at Bitexchange LLC, National Bank board member Nana Keinishvili is actively engaged in commercial activity and directly controls a network of entities subject to central bank regulation, whose shares are registered in the names of her family members and close associates,” the statement read.

“The filings further allege that Nana Keinishvili also attempted to acquire equity in a regulated entity to expand her commercial operations.”

Under Georgia’s Anti-Corruption Law, public servants are strictly prohibited from engaging in commercial activities. Furthermore, the Organic Law on the National Bank of Georgia stipulates that members of the central bank’s governing board and their immediate families are barred from holding equity stakes in financial sector representatives or affiliated corporate entities.

The Prosecutor General’s Office confirmed that investigators will thoroughly examine all circumstances surrounding Keinishvili’s alleged commercial involvement.

The Prosecutor General’s Office promised further public updates as the probe progresses.