Georgia’s Investigation Service of the Ministry of Finance has uncovered 15 cases of illegal business activity involving currency exchange points, with nine people arrested.
According to the Investigation Service, the exchange points were operating in Adjara, Samegrelo and Shida Kartli without the required authorization from the National Bank of Georgia and in violation of legal requirements.
Searches were conducted at 15 locations under court warrants. Authorities seized large amounts of Georgian and foreign currency, as well as computer equipment and other relevant items. The total value of the seized currency exceeds GEL 356,000.
Criminal prosecution has been launched against 16 people, nine of whom have been detained. The investigation is ongoing to identify other individuals involved. The case is being investigated under Article 192 of the Criminal Code, which carries a prison sentence of three to five years.
