State Security Service detains UNM political council member Lasha Tsanava on fraud charges

The State Security Service of Georgia (SSSG) has detained Lasha Tsanava, a member of the political council of the United National Movement (UNM), on charges of fraudulently obtaining money from a foreign national in exchange for promising to secure a residence permit in Georgia.

According to Emzar Gagnidze, Head of the SSSG’s Anti-Corruption Agency, the offense carries a prison sentence of four to seven years.

“The case involves fraudulent activity. Specifically, it concerns the unlawful acquisition of funds from a foreign citizen under the false pretense of assisting with obtaining a residence permit in Georgia,” Gagnidze stated.

“According to the investigation, L.T. promised a foreign national that, using his alleged connections, he could secure a one-year residence permit in Georgia. In return, he demanded $5,600.

On May 21, 2025, the foreign national transferred part of the requested amount to L.T.’s bank account. Following the initial payment, Tsanava allegedly maintained regular contact with the individual, persistently demanding the remaining balance. Subsequently, during two separate meetings in Tbilisi on May 30 and June 12, the foreign citizen gave him an additional $2,500.

In total, Tsanava fraudulently acquired $2,650 of the promised $5,600,” the investigation reveals.

Gagnidze added that the offense falls under Article 19-180, Part 2, Subparagraph “b” of Georgia’s Criminal Code and carries a potential prison sentence of four to seven years.