Authorities in Georgia have arrested the former chief of the nation’s security service on several bribery charges. These charges include accusations that he provided protection to fraudulent call centers responsible for defrauding victims globally. Prosecutors announced the arrest.
Grigol Liluashvili, who served as the head of Georgia’s state security service from 2020 until April of the current year, was taken into custody earlier this week. Prior to his detention, he was questioned at the Prosecutor’s Office, where he informed journalists that he had no knowledge of the case specifics. When asked about the possibility of his arrest, he reportedly stated, “Everything is God’s will.”
Prosecutors claim Liluashvili received bribes in multiple criminal investigations, specifically for protecting fraudulent call centers operating within Georgia. Despite an ongoing government initiative to combat scam operations, numerous such call centers allegedly continued their activities, according to prosecutors.
Witness testimonies cited by prosecutors indicate that many of these centers were connected to a group that provided funding to opposition media organizations. Other centers reportedly operated under Liluashvili’s protection, facilitated by his relative, Sandro Liluashvili. Investigators assert that the former security chief acquired approximately $1.4 million in bribes, channeled through his relative.
Further investigations by prosecutors are examining allegations that Liluashvili and his associates assisted in hiding the presence of these call centers. Concurrently, opposition media outlets are accused of withholding reports on these operations, despite possessing relevant information.
A conviction could result in Liluashvili facing a prison term of up to 15 years.
Earlier in the year, investigative journalists revealed a significant call center operating in Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital. This center was situated mere meters from the state security service headquarters. The operation reportedly employed around 85 individuals and generated an estimated $35.3 million from over 6,100 victims globally since May 2022.
Following the publication of the report, prosecutors initiated a freeze on assets connected to the call center. In October, authorities conducted raids on the residences of several prominent individuals, including a former prime minister, a former chief prosecutor, and Liluashvili. His cousin, Sandro, was subsequently arrested on charges of fraud and money laundering.
The specific call centers Liluashvili is accused of protecting have not been publicly disclosed by prosecutors.
