Juansher Burchuladze and Vasil Mkheidze sign plea deal over new charges

Georgia’s former Defense Minister Juansher Burchuladze and Vasil Mkheidze have reached plea agreement.

The case concerns new charges involving the taking of a particularly large bribe by a group acting under a prior agreement, as well as assisting in the taking of a bribe.

Burchuladze was found guilty under Article 338, paragraphs 2(a) and (c) and paragraph 3(e) of Georgia’s Criminal Code. He was sentenced to five years in prison, of which he will serve three years in a penitentiary, while the remaining two years will be suspended for the same probationary period. He was also fined GEL 1 million.

Mkheidze was found guilty under Article 25 and Article 338, paragraphs 2(a) and (c) and paragraph 3(e) of the Criminal Code. He was sentenced to four years and two months in prison, of which he will serve one year and two months in a penitentiary, while the remaining three years will be suspended for the same probationary period. He was also fined GEL 100,000.

Burchuladze had already been convicted of abuse of official authority and legalization of illicit income. The former defense minister had been sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Mkheidze had also previously been convicted of aiding the embezzlement of a large amount of money and sentenced to eight years in prison.