Trial of Giorgi Bachiashvili Begins in Tbilisi
The trial of Giorgi Bachiashvilli, a former head of the Co-Investment Fund, is taking place at Tbilisi City Court. Bachiashvili is accused of misappropriating cryptocurrency belonging to Bidzina Ivanishvili, founder of “Georgian Dream“.
Defense Presents Evidence
The defense team presented written evidence and an audio recording to the court today. The recording allegedly shows a conversation between Bachiashvilli and Ivanishvili. According to Bachiashvilli, the recording confirms that he went to Ivanishvili for a loan.
Loan Dispute
Bachiashvilli claims that the loan was approved on the same day as their meeting, and that there were no further communications between him and Ivanishvili. He also stated that phone records confirm this timeline. The prosecution, however, believes that Bachiashvilli misappropriated 8,986 bitcoins belonging to Ivanishvili.
Bachiashvilli Denies Charges
Bachiashvilli denies the charges against him and claims that he will prove his innocence through the evidence presented in court. He was granted bail of 2.5 million GEL and is subject to additional restrictive measures.
The alleged crime carries a potential sentence of 9-12 years imprisonment.