Vasil Mkheidze, a relative of the former Minister of Defense, has been formally charged with aiding a group in the embezzlement of a large amount of money.

As the detainee’s lawyer Zaal Gurasashvili told reporters after leaving the State Security Service building, his client does not admit guilt. The lawyer is not talking about other details, as he does not have the case materials at this stage.

“He does not admit guilt, the case materials have not been handed over yet. The hearing on the preventive measure may be scheduled today. I cannot tell you the other details,” Gurasashvili said.

When asked whether Mkheidze used the minister’s name for tenders, the lawyer replied, “No.

According to the investigation, by prior agreement, the group ensured that only enterprises closely connected with Vasil Mkheidze could participate in the procedures required for the purchase of medical equipment.

The procurement process was organized in such a way that the cost of the equipment was artificially increased by reselling the medical equipment several times, according to which 1,333,728 GEL was embezzled from the state budget of Georgia.

The investigation is underway under Article 182, Section 2, Subparagraphs “a” and “d” and Section 3, Subparagraph “b” of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which implies embezzlement of a large amount of money by abuse of official position.

The case concerns the illegal embezzlement of a large amount of money belonging to the Ministry of Defense of Georgia in 2023.

The aforementioned act is punishable by imprisonment for a term of 7 to 11 years.

According to available information, Vasil Mkheidze is the brother of the wife of the former Minister of Defense, Juansher Burchuladze.