Georgia’s State Security Service has revealed a group involved in the embezzlement of funds intended for free canteen programmes. Investigations have uncovered a scheme where millions of lari, belonging to the state, were fraudulently misappropriated. Five individuals have been detained, including a company director, managers of four subcontractor firms, and one employee.
Between 2023 and 2026, twelve contracts were signed between LLC “Aladashvili & Co” and administrations in four Tbilisi districts, totaling over 26.5 million lari ($9.8m), to provide free meals for vulnerable citizens. Radio Liberty’s reporting, referencing “bugs in khachapuri, worms in pate,” highlighted ongoing food issues within georgia’s prisons. The investigation showed the penitentiary service was aware of these violations but continued the contract with the supplier company.
The company director transferred control of several canteens to subcontractors, initiating systemic problems. From 2024 to 2026, thousands of beneficiaries received substandard services, demonstrating a failure to meet contractual obligations. Authorities discovered that the companies fabricated delivery and acceptance records, creating false documentation to illegally appropriate budget funds.
Approximately 3.5 million lari ($1.3m) was fraudulently taken from the approximately 19 million lari ($7m) received. A criminal case has been opened concerning charges of fraud and aiding fraud. Those found guilty face imprisonment ranging from six to nine years.
Topics: #group #georgia #funds
A disturbing revelation has surfaced regarding financial irregularities within Georgia’s canteen program.