In Georgia, a former deputy minister accused of abuse of power has been arrested.

Axar.az states that the Tbilisi City Court has ordered the arrest of Koba Gabunia, the former Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Georgia.

According to the Prosecutor’s Office, Gabunia is charged with abuse of official authority.

The indictment alleges that he granted unlawful advantages to Lagi Capital LLC and paid the company an advance for a project. It was reported that the company did not use the advance funds for their intended purpose in 2023, and the construction of a kindergarten was left incomplete, causing financial damage to the state.

The prosecutor said Gabunia is not cooperating with the investigation, and only his detention can prevent him from obstructing it. The defense disagreed with this argument and proposed bail of 400,000 lari.

According to the lawyers, the case materials were submitted at night, so the defense did not have enough time to review them fully. They also claimed there was no evidence substantiating the charges.

Gabunia stated in court that he never had personal financial interests and that, given the large number of projects, he may have overlooked some details but did not act intentionally.

The court proceedings will continue on December 18.

According to Georgia’s Ministry of Finance Investigation Service, Gabunia was detained during a joint operation with the State Security Service. About 20 locations connected to the case, which also involves former minister Irakli Karseladze, were searched.