“He fraudulently obtained money from a foreign citizen, promising to arrange a one-year residence permit in Georgia. What people imagine is one thing, but what matters is what is in the case, what materials the investigation relies on, and what materials we, the prosecution, rely on,” said Giorgi Kavsadze, the prosecutor in the case of Lasha Tsanava, a member of the Political Council of the United National Movement.

According to him, the investigation has only recently begun, but as soon as the criminal actions of other individuals are identified, the agency will respond accordingly.

“Today, the Tbilisi City Court upheld the prosecution’s argument that Lasha Tsanava should be held in custody as a preventive measure. He committed a crime—fraud. He fraudulently obtained money from a foreign citizen, promising to arrange a one-year residence permit in Georgia. He was detained, and there is ample evidence, including audio/video evidence and witness testimonies.

We requested custody because it was mandatory and necessary to prevent the risk of him absconding, influencing witnesses, or destroying evidence. The investigation is not long underway, so the prosecution deemed that custody should be applied against him.

I cannot provide further details as the investigation is ongoing, but I am aware of many things. What people imagine is one thing, but what matters is what is in the case, what materials the investigation relies on, and what materials we, the prosecution, rely on.

As for what the accused stated in court, we will verify the information he provided.

Also, as soon as the crimes of other individuals are identified, we will, of course, respond appropriately,” Giorgi Kavsadze stated.

For reference, the Tbilisi City Court imposed custody as a preventive measure on Lasha Tsanava, a member of the Political Council of the United National Movement, who was detained on fraud charges.

Lasha Tsanava was detained by employees of the Anti-Corruption Agency of the State Security Service of Georgia. According to the investigation, Tsanava promised a foreign citizen a one-year residence permit in Georgia through influential connections, demanding 5,600 US dollars in return.

Tsanava has been charged with attempting large-scale fraud, which carries a penalty of a fine or imprisonment ranging from six to nine years.