As a result of operative-searching and investigative activities carried out by representatives of the Investigation Service of Ministry of Finance of Georgia, in cooperation with the Kvemo Kartli Regional Prosecutor`s Office, four persons were detained on facts of illegal entrepreneurial activity and legalization of illicit income. In connection with the same criminal case, charges were brought against another three natural persons and three legal entities.

Investigation determined that the accused, without the relevant license, had been systematically extracting inert materials from the Mtkvari River in the Kvemo Kartli Region and subsequently selling them to various business entities.

Investigation also determined that 343 608 cubic meters of inert materials, with a total value of GEL 2 138 771, had been extracted illegally. The damage inflicted on the environment as a result of the above-mentioned criminal activity amounted to GEL 2 235 507. In addition, the accused persons laundered illicit proceeds amounting to GEL 2 138 771, obtained through their illegal activities.

The investigation is underway under Subparagraph "a" of Paragraph 2 of Article 192 and Subparagraphs "a" and "g" of Paragraph 3 of Article 194 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which envisages imprisonment from 9 to 12 years.