As a result of operative-searching and investigative activities carried out by the representatives of the Investigation Service of the Ministry of Finance of Georgia, criminal prosecution was initiated against 3 persons on the facts of fraudulent misappropriation of large amount of funds belonging to the state, in a group, by manufacturing and using forged tax documents, state budget property damage and false entrepreneurship.

Investigation determined, that the accused persons in order to get illegal material benefit, on behalf of the companies under their factual management, issued false VAT tax invoices having value of GEL 2 345 524, as if construction and renovation works were performed, thus created a false VAT asset in the amount of GEL 357 791, of which GEL 164 375 was used to reduce current tax liabilities, and the remaining amount - GEL 193 416 was recovered from the state budget.

Appropriate procedures are being carried out in order to compensate the damage caused to the state.

Investigation is underway under the Articles 210, 180, 185 and 193 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which envisages imprisonment from 6 to 9 years.