Lasha Tsanava, a member of the “National Movement,” has been ordered to be held in custody as a preventive measure. This decision was made by Tbilisi City Court Judge Mikheil Jinjolia.

At today’s court hearing, discussions were held regarding the application of a preventive measure for the accused.

The prosecution requested the strictest preventive measure—custody.

Prosecutor Giorgi Kavsadze explained in his motion the actions allegedly carried out by the accused. According to Kavsadze, Tsanava contacted a foreign citizen via WhatsApp and informed them that the cost of obtaining a one-year residence permit in Georgia would be 5,600 USD.

The prosecutor stated that the foreign citizen transferred 150 USD from a TBC Bank branch on Kazbegi Avenue to Tsanava’s account, which would be deducted from the total amount, and later handed over part of the sum.

According to Kavsadze, the case includes covert audio and video recordings.

The prosecutor further noted that there were both factual and formal grounds for applying a preventive measure.

According to the prosecutor, Tsanava “boasted about influential friends, and however cynical it may seem, he used his own accounts.” Kavsadze added that other individuals might be involved in the crime, and Tsanava could potentially coordinate with them to align their positions.

The defense did not agree with the motion. According to defense attorney Lasha Tkhesheladze, the two Iranian citizens involved in the case are agent-provocateurs. Tkhesheladze questioned why, if a crime had taken place, these individuals did not approach the Ministry of Internal Affairs or the police but instead went to the State Security Service (SSS). According to the attorney, the SSS targeted Tsanava to fabricate a case against him.

The attorney argued that Tsanava’s actions, contrary to the prosecutor’s claims, were not cynical but rather “the actions of an honest person” providing assistance to others. Tkhesheladze also noted that no one accepts money in front of cameras.

According to the attorney, there is no risk of Tsanava absconding, committing new crimes, or influencing witnesses, and therefore, he should have been released without any preventive measure.

The judge granted the prosecution’s motion.

Lasha Tsanava was charged yesterday. According to the Prosecutor’s Office, Tsanava promised a foreign citizen a one-year residence permit in Georgia through influential connections, demanding 5,600 US dollars in return.

For reference, Lasha Tsanava was detained by employees of the Anti-Corruption Agency of the State Security Service of Georgia. He has been charged with attempting large-scale fraud, which carries a penalty of a fine or imprisonment ranging from six to nine years.