“Giorgi Bachiashvili has been spreading all sorts of fairy tales since his arrest—and he will likely continue doing so,” Anri Okhanashvili, head of Georgia’s State Security Service (SSSG), has dismissed assertions made by detained former director of the Co-Investment Fund, asserting that the suspect is “rightfully placed where he belongs.”

Speaking to reporters, Okhanashvili characterised Bachiashvili as a criminal convicted of particularly grave offences.

“This individual has been spreading all sorts of fairy tales since his arrest—and he will likely continue doing so. The key point is that the investigation is still ongoing. At this stage, the State Security Service has issued an official statement, which we deemed necessary. Anyone who wishes to believe these claims is free to do so; however, the main fact remains: a criminal has been apprehended.

This person is a convicted offender—he laundered money and was sentenced accordingly. He committed a particularly serious crime and is rightfully where he belongs, serving his sentence,” Okhanashvili stated.

The SSSG head also added that Bachiashvili, who has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for embezzlement and money laundering, faces additional charges as authorities continue to scrutinise several other episodes linked to his case.

Okhanashvili emphasised that the detained businessman was not subjected to mistreatment during his arrest.

“Not a hair on this person’s head was harmed during the operation. He cannot claim that he was subjected to violence or that his health was compromised. This is our standard procedure—how we operate.”

The security chief indicated that more details about the case would emerge as the investigation progresses, but declined to provide additional comments, citing the need to protect the integrity of the ongoing probe.

“We must wait for the investigation to unfold. There are many details yet to be revealed, and when the time comes, you will know. Until then, patience is essential, and more interesting facts will be disclosed as the case progresses,” Okhanashvili added.

While acknowledging public interest in the matter, Okhanashvili urged patience as investigators continue their work.

“For me, as well as for the State Security Service, protecting the investigatory process is a top priority. What is currently known is that the individual has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for embezzlement and money laundering, and he will serve his sentence accordingly. Regarding other episodes connected to this case, investigations are ongoing,” Okhanashvili concluded, suggesting that additional information may be released as the investigation develops.

The State Security Service of Georgia announced on May 27 that it had detained Giorgi Bachiashvili.