Investigation Service of the Ministry of Finance has detained Ilia Ghudushauri, former Deputy Minister of Internally Displaced Persons, Labor, Health and Social Protection of Georgia, who was also a Chairman of the Procurement Tender Commission of the Ministry, on the fact of abuse of official power by a state-political official.

Investigation determined that on September 27, 2022, Ministry of Internally Displaced Persons, Labor, Health and Social Protection of Georgia announced the tender for purchasing ambulance vehicles. The final beneficiary of the tender was LEPL - Center for Coordination of Emergency Situations and Emergency Assistance. Three companies participated in the tender and the winner was one of the companies that offered the lowest price - GEL 8 525 876.

The aforementioned tender was terminated by the illegal order of Deputy Minister I. Ghudushauri. He abused his official power to give an advantage to another company. On May 10, 2023, a new tender was announced in accordance with his instructions, the terms of which were tailored to one specific participant, as a result of which other companies were unable to participate.

Ministry unjustifiably paid GEL 2 138 196 to the pre-selected company, thereby essentially violated legitimate interests of the state.

Investigation is underway under the Part 2 of Article 332 of the Criminal Code of Georgia.

In order to identify persons involved in corruption crimes, hold them liable and maximize prevention of corruption, Investigation Service of the Ministry of Finance continues to conduct intensive operational and investigative activities.