Georgian Dream MPs have introduced a draft law that would prohibit individuals who have completed prison sentences but failed to pay court-ordered damages from leaving the country without state permission for up to 16 years. The proposed measure also includes simplified procedures for collecting damages from persons associated with the convicted individual.
The Bachiashvili Case as a Precedent
According to MP Archil Gorduladze, a co-author of the bill, the legislation would apply to Giorgi Bachiashvili, who was convicted in the high-profile Bitcoin case. On March 10, 2025, Bachiashvili was sentenced to 11 years in prison, and on May 1, 2025, a separate ruling required him to pay 9,000 bitcoins in damages to Bidzina Ivanishvili, the declared victim. At current market value, the compensation totals approximately USD 963 million.
If the bill is passed, Bachiashvili, who is expected to be released in 2036, would be barred from leaving Georgia until 2052 unless he obtains explicit permission from state authorities. By then, Ivanishvili would be 96 years old.
“The proposed amendments will apply to any person, including Giorgi Bachiashvili,” Gorduladze stated. “A specific name is irrelevant, what matters is whether the person has caused damage and failed to compensate the victim. The law ensures that those who inflict massive harm do not walk away freely after serving time, only to enjoy the wealth obtained through criminal activity.”
Key Provisions of the Bill
Individuals convicted of property-related crimes who fail to pay damages will be prohibited from leaving Georgia for up to 16 years after completing their sentence, unless permitted by state authorities.
The state will gain enhanced powers to recover damages from individuals associated with the convicted person, using simplified enforcement procedures.
The bill doubles the statutory limits for expunging criminal records under Article 79 of the Criminal Code:
- For less serious crimes: from 3 to 6 years
- For serious crimes: from 6 to 12 years
- For especially serious crimes: from 8 to 16 years
According to the explanatory note, the bill is intended to improve the legal standing of victims and ensure that damages are compensated more effectively.
“The amendments aim to strengthen victims' rights and create an efficient legal framework to enforce compensation for damage caused by criminal activity,” the document states.
