According to Prosecutor Irakli Marshania, the former Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Romeo Mikautadze, had expensive watches, gold bars, and coins confiscated in addition to real estate.

As the prosecutor explained, the confiscated property will be transferred to state ownership.

“The court fully accepted the evidence presented by the prosecution side and found Romeo Mikautadze guilty on all charges. As you know, he was charged with various corruption crimes, as well as legalization of illegal income. He was sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment. He also had various property confiscated—real estate, including an apartment in Spain, 3 vehicles, as well as expensive watches, gold bars, and coins. In addition, his 15% share in LLC ‘Nakhiduri HPP’ was confiscated, which, under the current conditions where the HPP is not yet operational, is valued at 1,500,000 GEL. The real estate also includes the Tserovani property,” Marshania stated.

When asked whether it is possible for Mikautadze to conclude a plea agreement in the appellate court, the prosecutor replied that this would require Mikautadze’s admission of guilt.

“According to the law, a plea agreement can also be concluded at the appellate stage, but the situation is such that the accused does not admit the crimes he committed. At the previous hearing, he made statements claiming he had submitted an application, but in reality that was not the case. He spoke for a full 4 hours saying that he is right. Naturally, under these conditions, a plea agreement is not concluded. Admission means a confession in which the accused sincerely repents of the crime—not spending 4 hours saying ‘I am right.’ The legalization of illegal income was carried out in the amount of 8,400,000 GEL, and the corresponding property has been confiscated. As for other procedures, those are handled by other agencies; that is, the prosecution is not involved in transferring the property to state ownership. The property will be transferred to state ownership,” Marshania stated.

For information: By the decision of Tbilisi City Court Judge Nino Galustashvili, Romeo Mikautadze was sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment, and he was also prohibited from holding any position in public service for a period of 2 years.

Mikautadze also had property confiscated, specifically a house in Spain and Mtskheta, three cars belonging to him and his spouse, and seized expensive gold items. Mikautadze was also deprived of his 15% share in “Nakhiduri HPP.”

Galustashvili found Mikautadze guilty of money laundering (legalization of illegal income), abuse of official authority, illegal participation in entrepreneurial activity, and exceeding official powers.

Neither Romeo Mikautadze nor his family members were present for the announcement of the verdict.