Transparency International Georgia published an updated version of their “Corruption Map” on October 23. The new report reveals since 2013, companies associated with Georgian Dream officials, including party founder Bidzina Ilvanisvili, have won over GEL 3.280 in state tenders throughout Georgia. Nearly a third of this amount – GEL 1.130 – was received in 2024.
“Cases involving corruption are increasing throughout Georgia’s regions, and they are becoming increasingly uncontrolled because the relevant structures do not respond to them or do inform the public if they are interested,” the watchdog emphasizes.
The following is a breakdown of the money received in suspicious cases by region:
* Adjara – GEL 933,060,894;
* Samtskhe-Javakheti – GEL 841,145,309;
* Shida Kartli – GEL 427,245,670;
* Kakheti – GEL 442,000,000;
* Imereti Racha-Lechkhumi GEL 500,131.038
* Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti – GEL 138,371,368.
The most prominent individuals involved in the cases are:
* Current MPs: Anzor Bolkvadze, Viktor Japaridze;
* Former MPs: Ioseb Makrakhidze, Enzel Mkoyan, Jumber Izoria, Sergo Khabuliani;
* Mayors of Municipalities: Mayors of Senaki (Vakhtang Gadelia); Mayors of Zugdidi (Mamuka Tsotsoria); Mayors of Chkhorotsku (Davit Gogua); former mayors of Akhaltsikhe (Zaza Melikidze).
* Businessman Giorgi Chrkonia is a candidate for the GD.
The report also summarizes a number suspicious tenders and simplified purchases that TI Georgia investigated at different times. The organization has submitted these findings in an official manner to the relevant authorities, urging that they address the potential corruption revealed by these procurements.
The watchdog notes that “the abundance and magnitude” of corruption facts gives the impression that the enrichment at the expense of people of privileged individuals has been given green light.
The organization also notes these companies receive large contracts from the state and then donate money to the Georgian Dream Party, “creating an undemocratic system of government capture and kleptocratic control in the country.”
You can read the full report here.
* 22/10/2024 – Watchdog Assesses Corruption, Judiciary, Oversight, Media in 2020-2024
* 21/10/2024 TI Georgia Report on Misuse Administrative Resources in Parliamentary Elections 2020′
* 17/09/2024: Watchdog: GD donor winemakers receive large benefits from the state budget in 2017-2023
The Daily Beat: Sunday, 8 October
The Daily Beat: Tuesday, 2 October
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