TBILISI, April 7 – A municipal employee in eastern Georgia has been arrested on suspicion of demanding and taking a bribe in exchange for signing off on procurement-related paperwork, Georgian investigators said Tuesday.
The employee worked as a senior specialist in the supervision and technical division of the Gardabani municipal mayor’s office, according to Georgia’s Investigative Service of the Finance Ministry. The arrest was carried out in coordination with the Prosecutor’s Office after what officials described as operational search measures and investigative actions.
Authorities say the case centers on the confirmation of so-called hidden works reports prepared within the framework of a state procurement process. Investigators said the public official demanded and took 500 Georgian lari, about USD 180 at current exchange rates, in return for certifying those documents with a signature while carrying out official duties.
Officials said the suspect was detained directly while taking the money, and that the cash was seized as evidence.
Guga Tavberidze, deputy division head in the Investigative Service, said the case is being investigated under an article of the Criminal Code which covers bribery by a public official. If convicted under that provision, the suspect could face six to nine years in prison.
