Execs from Major Georgian Construction Company Accused of Graft

TBILISI – Georgia’s Prosecutor General on Monday opened up a criminal case against the management of Center Point Group Construction Company, charging the suspects with embezzling large sums of money from several key contractors.

Irakli Mindeli, head of an investment project in Batumi, as well as the sales manager for Center Point, Salome Charkviali, were among those listed as having been charged with a crime, the company’s founder Maya Rcheulishvili said.

An arrest warrant has also been issued for Rcheushvili’s son Guram. Investigators have been unable to apprehend him and believe he may have fled the country.

The case against the accused mainly revolves around a construction project that involved the building of two residential buildings and a large residential complex in Batumi. The buildings were never completed.

From 2004 to 2010, Center Point embezzled a total of USD 8.4 million (19 million GEL) from its business partners, according to the investigators.

Center Point Group is one of the largest construction companies in Georgia, with 70 subsidiaries. Complaints against Center Point have been growing in recent years.

By Eka Karsaulidze

Photo: Netgazeti.ge