Considering the high interest of the public, we would like to respond to the information disseminated yesterday by one of the media, which is aimed at misinforming the public and discrediting the investigative authority.

We inform you that, based on a complaint from one of the companies, on January 23, 2024, Investigation Division of the Adjara Prosecutor's Office initiated investigation on a criminal case on the fact of fraudulent misappropriation of a large amount of money. On March 1, 2024, the mentioned case was transferred to Investigation Service of the Ministry of Finance of Georgia for investigation.

Investigation determined that, on the basis of the relevant agreement, the company controlled by G.Ch. and I.P. was obliged to purchase a yacht abroad worth of GEL 1,155,019 and deliver it to the affected company. On September 10, 2022, a purchase agreement was signed between them, the terms of which were changed several times. G.Ch. and I.P. did not deliver the purchase item to the affected company, and as of today, the amount returned to the company is only EUR 50,000.

On July 4, 2024, based on the authentic evidences obtained during the investigation, criminal prosecution was initiated against the abovementioned persons for the possible commitment of the crime provided for in the 2nd and 3rd parts of Article 182 of the Criminal Code of Georgia.

According to the judge's ruling, as measures of restraint against the accused, bail and the prohibition of the right to cross the state border of Georgia without the permission of the prosecutor have been applied to them. The criminal case was referred to the court for a hearing on the merits.

Additionally, we note that a lawyer defending the interests of the accused, was present at the investigative actions carried out, there was no pressure or threat from the side of the investigation against the defendants.

The statements made by the accused person of the case on TV are lies and are aimed at discrediting the Investigation Service.