Former Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili has been sentenced to five years in prison, fined one million lari, and had $6.5 million and several vehicles confiscated.
Garibashvili, 43, pleaded guilty to charges of large-scale money laundering and voluntarily cooperated with authorities.
His lawyer, Mikheil Shakulashvili, confirmed the news on Monday adding that the former prime minister has not testified against anyone and does not intend to do so.
“He cooperated on his own initiative,” Shakulashvili said, noting that no further charges have been discussed beyond the current case.
Authorities seized flash drives and other items from Garibashvili’s residence, while the $6.5 million recovered has been transferred to the state budget.
Shakulashvili clarified that the former prime minister’s winery and factory will not be confiscated, saying that loans taken for land purchases, importing equipment, and operating the factory are still being repaid.
He added that other seized valuables, including gold and watches, did not belong to Garibashvili.
Garibashvili served as Georgia’s prime minister from 2013 to 2015 and again from 2021 to 2024.
The prosecution said Garibashvili was charged under Georgia’s anti-money laundering laws for legalising illegal proceeds and receiving income in an especially large amount.
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