As a result of operative-searching and investigative activities carried out by the representatives of Investigation Service of the Ministry of Finance of Georgia, in coordination with the General Prosecutor’s Office, on the fact of bribe taking, Sh.G. - forest ranger of the Phasanauri District of Samtskhe-Javakheti Region of the LEPL “National Forestry Agency” was detained.

Investigation determined that the accused, who is officially responsible for protecting forest territory within the scope of his public authority, in order to receive personal illegal material gains and benefits, in exchange for allowing the arrangement of a camping site in the forest within the frames of his operational area, demanded and took USD 900 from a citizen as a bribe, during which he was detained.

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 of Georgia will continue to implement a strict criminal justice policy against crimes committed in the financial-economic sphere and corruption.