Criminal Case Launches against Businesswoman Laura Ghachava

The Investigation Service has launched Criminal Case against Georgian businesswoman Laura Ghachava. The Deputy Head of the Investigation Service, Vazha Panozashvili, made the relevant statement at the special briefing today.

According to him, Laura Ghachava is accused of using counterfeit assets and damaging state budget by GEL 2 160 955.

“The amount of counterfeit assets used by Laura Ghachava and the damage brought to the state equals to 2 160 955 GEL”, he said.

Laura Ghachava is summoned to the Investigation Service of the Ministry of Finance today at 2:00 pm, where the charges will be officially introduced to her.  

“I have no idea what they might have against me. I am in agony”, businessman Laura Ghachava said.

Laura Ghachava is the owner of the market in Lilo settlement, on the outskirts of Tbilisi, which was significantly damaged during the fire in June 2019. Approximately 1000 square meters and part of the products burnt out as a result of the fire.

On August 13, 2019, the Investigation Service of the Ministry of Finance of Georgia reported that the Agency prevented the use of fake assets and the loss of 100 million GEL by the state budget.

“The investigation revealed a large-scale criminal scheme of tax evasion and legalization of illegal income. Investigations have been launched against 53 people in 9 criminal cases. 38 out of the 53 persons are detained. Most of them are directors, founders and managers of various companies.

The defendants owned companies in various regions of the country, through which they carried out illegal operations. If the crimes are confirmed, the defendants face 9 to 12 years in prison”, the Investigation Service said.

As stated by the Agency, the investigation intensively continues to reveal the persons involved in the mentioned as well as other criminal schemes.

Related Story: Investigation Service Prevents Loss of 100 Million by State Budget

By Ana Dumbadze