Bidzina Ivanishvili to sue Julius Baer Bank over alleged political pressure and contract violations

“Criminal proceedings have been initiated against Mikheil Saakashvili, Giorgi Vashadze, Nika Gvaramia, Nikanor Melia, Zurab Japaridze, Elene Khoshtaria, Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze,” Prosecutor General Giorgi Gvarakidze informed at a briefing held at the Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia.“Following a joint investigation conducted by the Prosecutor’s Office, the State Security Service and the Ministry of Internal Affairs into crimes against the state, namely sabotage, assistance to a foreign country in hostile activities, financing activities directed against Georgia’s constitutional order and national security foundations, and incitement to violently change Georgia’s constitutional order or overthrow state authority, criminal proceedings have been initiated against Mikheil Saakashvili, Giorgi Vashadze, Nika Gvaramia, Nikanor Melia, Zurab Japaridze, Elene Khoshtaria, Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze,” Prosecutor General stated.According to Giorgi Gvarakidze, the Prosecutor’s Office will apply to the court within the statutory timeframe requesting bail as a preventive measure for Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze, and requesting the scheduling of a pre-trial hearing for the other accused.“Following the outbreak of hostilities in Ukraine, the Georgian government, taking into account national security interests, adopted a policy of not imposing economic sanctions against the aggressor country and maintaining peace within the country to avoid a possible military conflict with the Russian Federation. As a result of this decision, leaders of certain opposition parties operating in Georgia, Elene Khoshtaria, Zurab Girchi Japaridze and Giorgi Vashadze, provided representatives of foreign states, to the detriment of Georgia’s state interests and to create artificial grounds for the imposition of international sanctions, with information regarding the import of petroleum products into Georgia, as well as actual or fabricated information concerning Georgia’s military sphere. They disseminated false information alleging that Georgian airspace was being used to supply Iranian combat drones to the Russian Federation.Furthermore, Elene Khoshtaria, Zurab Girchi Japaridze and Giorgi Vashadze periodically provided information and documentary materials, including lists of persons employed in public service, to representatives of foreign states for the purpose of imposing sanctions. As a result, various countries imposed sanctions on approximately 300 Georgian citizens in total, including political officials, public servants and individual businessmen.In October 2024, following the defeat of opposition parties in the parliamentary elections, and under the pretext of alleged electoral fraud, Zurab Girchi Japaridze, Giorgi Vashadze, Elene Khoshtaria, Nika Gvaramia, Nikanor Melia, Mamuka Khazaradze, and Badri Japaridze initiated active measures to radicalise the street protest movement. The named individuals publicly made calls for revolution, the overthrow of the government, the toppling of the authorities, the picketing of state buildings and physical confrontation with law enforcement officers.Moreover, to overthrow the legitimate government and mobilise, assemble and engage an aggressive mass of citizens in acts of violence, former President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili, through the use of his personal social media page and video addresses disseminated through mass media outlets, publicly called upon his supporters to engage in unlawful and violent actions, stating that struggle and aggressive resistance were necessary. In his statements, he also called upon supporters to seize government buildings and ‘overthrow the regime’.The rallies that began in the vicinity of the parliament building quickly exceeded the boundaries established by law. There were numerous instances of purposeful and organised confrontation with police forces, including the throwing of so-called Molotov cocktails and flammable and incendiary substances at law enforcement officers. The aforementioned politicians coordinated the actions of the violent groups. Simultaneously, the violent groups operated in mutual agreement and maintained systematic communication with one another through so-called walkie-talkies, which, along with other items, were seized during searches conducted at opposition party offices, including the offices of the United National Movement, Droa and Girchi–More Freedom.On November 28, 2024, violent confrontation with police officers near the parliament building continued for six days at the leaders’ instigation. As a result, violent groups caused bodily harm to 158 law enforcement personnel, several of whom sustained serious injuries. They set fire to rooms within the parliament building, causing significant damage to the structure, and also set fire to special vehicles belonging to the police. They destroyed state-owned and privately owned immovable and movable property on Rustaveli Avenue.In parallel with these events, the collection and delivery of funds and material supplies to the violent groups was coordinated with non-governmental organisations and specially created so-called funds, which in turn received funding from international donors, being actively involved alongside the politicians.Based on evidence obtained during the investigation, Mikheil Saakashvili is charged under Article 317 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, related to incitement to violently change Georgia’s constitutional order or overthrow state authority; Zurab Girchi Japaridze and Giorgi Vashadze are charged under Article 318, Part 1, and Article 319 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, related to sabotage and assistance to a foreign country in hostile activities; Elene Khoshtaria is charged under Article 318, Part 1, Article 319, and Article 321 Prima, Part 1 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, related to sabotage, provision of material resources for the commission of said crime, and assistance to a foreign country in hostile activities; Nika Gvaramia, Nikanor Melia, Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze are charged under Article 318, Part 1 of the Criminal Code of Georgia related to sabotage.The Prosecutor’s Office will apply to the court within the statutory timeframe, requesting bail as a preventive measure for Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze, and requesting the scheduling of a pre-trial hearing for the other accused. The investigation continues, and we will periodically provide the public with information regarding its progress and outcomes,” Giorgi Gvarakidze stated.

The Head of the Revenue Service of the Ministry of Finance of Georgia, Irakli (Dachi) Beraia, and the Head of the Customs Department, Mikheil Chokoshvili, presented certificates of appreciation and commemorative gifts established by the Service to the members of the interdepartmental unit operating in Poti for conscientious performance of their duties and outstanding professionalism in the Poti Customs Clearance Economic Zone. Mindia Grdzelidze, Head of the International Customs, Sanitary and Phytosanitary Border Control Cooperation Division of the International Relations Department, was also awarded a certificate of honor for his active participation and support in the creation of the Interagency Passenger and Container Control Unit. The guests gathered at the award ceremony were addressed by the Head of the Revenue Service, Irakli (Dachi) Beraia, and the Head of the Customs Department, Mikheil Chokoshvili. In their speeches, the leaders once again emphasized the importance of the joint activities of the unit and thanked each member involved for performing their duties to a high standard. As a reminder, as part of the operational-search activities conducted jointly by the employees of the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, approximately 750 kilograms of "heroin" have been seized as a result of three facts identified since June of this year. This inter-agency unit was established in 2012 within the framework of a joint project of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the World Customs Organization (WCO) - the Passenger and Container Control Program, and includes representatives of the Customs Department, the Investigation Service of the Ministry of Finance, as well as the Central Criminal Police Department and the Patrol Police. The members of the unit simultaneously carry out coordinated control of cargo transported by sea, air and land. It is noteworthy that the joint unit is also actively involved in the process of enforcing international sanctions.

In the interests of taxpayers, the Revenue Service of the Ministry of Finance explains in detail the categories of persons who are obliged to submit an annual property tax declaration by November 1.A natural person, including an entrepreneur, is obliged to submit a declaration: if the income of the person and his/her family members exceeds 40,000 GEL for the previous (2024) year and they own taxable property (real estate, including unfinished construction, buildings or parts thereof, yachts (boats), helicopters, airplanes and passenger cars (except motorcycles and mopeds), etc.In the case of carrying out economic activities, assets, equipment, etc. recorded as fixed assets on the balance sheet.Detailed information on the procedure for calculating and paying property tax by individuals, including a property tax calculator for individuals, as well as video instructions and a guide, can be found at the following links:https://rs.ge/PersonsTaxFAQ?cat=5&tab=1https://rs.ge/LawNewsArchive?newsId=1589Video instruction:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iMXptuh5roNew calculator for property tax for individuals:https://rs.ge/LawNewsArchive?newsId=1607To obtain information, you can also use the digital services of the Revenue Service - “RS Chat” and “RS Bot” or contact the advisory call center at 2 299 299.In addition, we would like to clarify that the obligation to submit a declaration does not arise for a person if he/she has submitted a declaration or has accrued tax in the previous tax year and the data does not change (the system will automatically register the information from the previous year).We would like to emphasize that under the current legislation, no changes have been made to the submission and administration of the annual declaration of taxable property, therefore, entrepreneurial entities/individuals are obliged to include data on taxable property in the submitted declaration as of the previous tax year, and on taxable land - as of April 1 of the current tax year. The Revenue Service of the Ministry of Finance calls on media outlets and companies providing financial/accounting/consulting services, as well as individual experts, to refrain from disseminating false information harmful to taxpayers, which serves to mislead the public.

“Despite global uncertainty and regional geopolitical tensions, Georgia has remained a steadfast anchor of peace and stability,” said Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze adressing the panel discussion titled “Georgia – Nexus For Investment,” held as part of the 5th Tbilisi Silk Road Forum.According to the PM, guided by a clear vision of lasting peace and sustainable progress, the country has advanced along a steady path of development — maintaining macroeconomic stability, achieving impressive growth and demonstrating exceptional economic resilience.“These achievements are a direct reflection of the government’s guiding vision and strategy: that peace creates predictability, and predictability, in turn, lays the foundation for sustainable economic growth. From 2021 to 2024, our country recorded one of the highest economic growth rates globally, averaging 9.4% annually. Georgia remains on a strong trajectory, with growth projected at 7.2% in 2025, and medium-term growth expected to average 5.1% over the next five years, according to the IMF.This performance is built upon prudent macroeconomic management and comprehensive structural reforms that ensure both stability and competitiveness. Our reform path is disciplined, predictable and focused on measurable outcomes, fostering continuity and confidence among investors. As a result, Georgia remains an attractive investment destination, with its legal, business and investment environment consistently receiving high marks from leading international rating institutions. Georgia stands out prominently in the World Bank’s Business Ready (B-READY) rankings — 2nd in the Operational Efficiency pillar and 3rd in the Regulatory Framework pillar — highlighting our commitment to streamline business processes and strong regulatory standards.Additionally, Georgia ranks 6th for taxation, reflecting a highly favorable business and tax environment. According to the 2023 Open Budget Survey (OBS), conducted by the International Budget Partnership (IBP), Georgia got 87 points out of 100 in State Budget Transparency and took 1st place in the world ranking of 125 countries,” he said. 

“Georgia has made it through extremely complicated and complex years. It has demonstrated resilience, stability, safety, consistency,” said Mariam Kvrivishvili, Georgian Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development at the panel discussion titled Georgia – Nexus for Investments held within the Tbilisi Silk Road Forum.According to Kvrivishvili, the policy of making business easily serves as “the fundamental basis of how the economy keeps growing fast in Georgia.”“And we use the opportunity to show off. In the last 2-3 years, our economic growth has reached 9.6 %. This year, we already have up to 8% economic growth compared to the same period of last year.This brings Georgia as the leader in the region, and leader among the European countries. This takes a lot of effort, hard work, a vivid action plan, and it takes an extremely tight parnership between the government and private sector and all the integrated parties. It is teamwork, we are very committed to ensure that we continue to be the most hospitable country in the world, not only for travellers but for domestic and international investors,” she said.Mariam Kvrivishvili remarked that Georgia is determined to support all scales of businesses, providing them with all necessary instruments and tools, and most importantly, access to finance.The Minister of Economy spoke about the investment climate in Georgia. She named predictability, safety, and stability as key and fundamental factors for investors.She extended her gratitude to EMAAR Group and Eagle Hills Founder, Mohamed Alabbar for large-scale investment projects.“I had an excellent dialogue with Mr Alabbar, who is a big friend and already our family member, and really represents a milestone for our country’s success with his historic USD 6.5 billion scale of investment. This is a very big achievement,” she said and thanked the forum participants.“I would like to use this opportunity to once again thank everyone who took their time and came to Georgia and gave us the honor and privilege to host over 2,300 delegates from more than 70 countries. It is extremely important for our country to be able to host forums like this and the Silk Road Forum has really been shaped as an important platform for dialogue between governments, goverment to private sector and business to bsiness relations and I think today has been extremely productive for all of us, to have panel discussions and a lot of interesting meetings by which we made huge progress adressing multiple matters and concerns and the ways how we overcome them together, contries and the private sector,” she said.Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze delivered the opening speech at the Georgia – Nexus for Investments panel of the Silk Road Forum. EMAAR Group and Eagle Hills founder Mohamed Alabbar, Galt & Taggart Executive Director Giorgi Kuprashvili, Trammo, Inc. Senior Vice President Oliver K. Stanton, and Chairman and CEO of Eksim Holding Ebubekir Tivnikli participated in the panel discussion.