SSSG’s Anti-Corruption Agency arrests 21 in nationwide operation

The State Security Service’s Anti-Corruption Agency conducted a large-scale operation across various regions of Georgia, resulting in 21 arrests in connection with corruption crimes uncovered in seven separate criminal cases, the agency reported at a briefing.

“Mental Health Center Bribery Case (Tbilisi): A psychiatrist and a security officer from the Mental Health and Drug Abuse Prevention Center were detained. They allegedly issued false medical certificates to help conscripts evade military service in exchange for bribes. Investigations are ongoing under Articles 338, 25-338, and 341 of the Criminal Code (6–9 years imprisonment).

Fraud Related to Military Service Postponement: Two individuals allegedly promised a citizen a postponement of conscription in exchange for 10,000 GEL, taking 5,000 GEL upfront. Investigation under Articles 19 and 180, Part 2 (a & b) (4–7 years imprisonment).

Kareli Municipality Alternative Service Case: Former head of the Military Registration and Conscription Service and a company manager charged with abuse of authority, forgery, and creation of fake service documents. Crimes involve registering conscripts for alternative non-military labor service without approval. Investigation under Articles 332, 341, and 362, Part 2(a) (3–6 years imprisonment).

False Disability Certificates: Four doctors allegedly issued false medical certificates, giving 315 citizens illegal disability status and state pensions. Investigation under Articles 221, 25-221, and 362, Part 2(b) (4–6 years imprisonment).

Fraud in Chokhatauri Municipality: Directors and experts of companies involved in football field rehabilitation allegedly misappropriated 19,090 GEL from the municipality. Investigation under Articles 180, Part 3(b) and 362, Part 2 (6–9 years imprisonment).

Gurjaani Road Rehabilitation Fraud: Company officials allegedly overbilled 38,158 GEL for road works under municipal contracts. Investigation under Articles 180, Parts 2 & 3(b), 25-180, and 362, Part 2(b) (6–9 years imprisonment).

Gurjaani Land Fraud Case: Municipality employee and others allegedly fraudulently registered a 3,900 sq.m. plot, causing 70,200 GEL in damage to the state. Investigation under Articles 180, 25-180, 341, and 362, Part 2(b) (6–9 years imprisonment).

The Anti-Corruption Agency confirmed that undercover operations with court approval produced audio and video evidence of the crimes. Investigations continue to detect and prevent corruption across Georgia,” the Anti-Corruption Agency stated.