The Prosecutor's Office of Georgia has initiated criminal prosecution against a foreign citizen for laundering a particularly large amount of money.

The investigation conducted by the Investigation Department of the Prosecutor General's Office of Georgia established that the accused, in order to launder illegal income obtained abroad within the framework of criminal activities, purchased a residential apartment in Georgia worth 132,000 USD in the name of a person affiliated with him, which was subsequently mortgaged in favor of the bank, and the received 68,900 euros were transferred abroad to the accused's personal bank account using the affiliated person’s bank account.

Later, the defendant transferred the real estate to the name of the mother of the initial fictitious owner, thereby further disguising the identity of the real owner of the property purchased with illegal proceeds.

The foreign citizen was charged in absentia under Article 194, Part 3, Subparagraph “c” of the Criminal Code of Georgia (legalization of illegal income in an especially large amount), which provides for up to 12 years of imprisonment as a form and measure of punishment.

The prosecutor’s office will apply to the court within the time limit established by law to impose imprisonment on the accused as a preventive measure. If imprisonment is used, a wanted person will be declared against him.

The Prosecutor’s Office will conduct appropriate legal procedures to seize the residential apartment purchased with illegal income, seized within the framework of the investigation, in favor of the state.