As a result of operative-searching and investigative activities carried out by the representatives of Investigation Service of Ministry of Finance of Georgia, in coordination with the Prosecutor`s Office of Georgia and the Revenue Service, Head of Shift of the "Red Bridge" Customs Checkpoint of the Customs Department of the Revenue Service was detained on the fact of taking a bribe in large amount.

Investigation determined that the accused, while performing his official duties, promised a citizen to facilitate the import of USD 200 000 into the territory of Georgia without mandatory declaration. In exchange for such illegal protection, the public official demanded a bribe of USD 8,000 for each individual case.

The accused was detained immediately after taking part of the previously demanded bribe amounting to USD 4 000. As a result of covert investigative activities conducted on the basis of a court warrant, audio and video evidence reflecting the mentioned criminal act has been obtained.

Investigation is underway under sub-article "", of second part of Article 338 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which as a type of sentence, envisages imprisonment from 7 to 11 years.

Investigation Service of Ministry of Finance of Georgia calls on public officials and individuals willing to enter into criminal agreements to refrain from such illegal activities, as law enforcement agencies will respond immediately and strictly in accordance with the law to every such offence.