As a result of operative-searching and investigative activities carried out by representatives of Investigation Service of the Ministry of Finance of Georgia, customs officer of Poti Economic Zone at the Customs Department of the LEPL "Revenue Service" was detained on the fact of bribe-taking.

Investigation determined, that public official was taking bribe by using official power.

The accused, in exchange for transfer of information stored in official electronic databases on competing importing companies, demanded and took a bribe amounted to USD 1000 from a citizen.

Based on the court ruling, covert investigative activities were carried out, as a result of which audio/video evidence confirming commitment of a criminal act was obtained. The accused was detained immediately upon taking bribe and money was seized as evidence.

Investigation is underway under the first part of Article 338 of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which as a type of sentence, envisages imprisonment from six to nine years.

Investigation Service of the Ministry of Finance warns both public officials and those who initiate illegal agreements with them, to refrain from committing similar illegal actions. The Service will ensure a prompt and strict response to any such fact.