Georgia's Investigation Service of the Ministry of Finance has arrested four individuals on charges of illegal entrepreneurial activity and laundering GEL 2.14 million in illicit proceeds. Charges have also been filed against three additional individuals and three legal entities in connection with the case.
According to the investigation, the defendants illegally extracted inert materials from the Mtkvari River in the Kvemo Kartli region without the required license and systematically sold them to various businesses. Investigators found that 343,608 cubic meters of material were extracted unlawfully, with an estimated value of GEL 2,138,771. The environmental damage caused by the activity is estimated at GELO 2,235,507.
Authorities also allege that the suspects laundered the GEL 2.14 million generated through the illegal operation. The investigation is being conducted under Articles 192 and 194 of Georgia's Criminal Code. If convicted, the defendants face 9 to 12 years in prison.
