Georgia: Ex-PM’s Home Raided in Sweeping Anti-Corruption Probe

Georgian authorities have launched what appears to be a sweeping crackdown on former high-ranking officials, prominently targeting Irakli Garibashvili, a two-time Prime Minister and formerly a close confidant of Bidzina Ivanishvili, the enigmatic founder of the ruling “Georgian Dream” party. While no formal charges have been filed against Garibashvili, his residence has already been subjected to a thorough search, resulting in the confiscation of personal phones, computers, and a substantial sum of money. Unconfirmed reports circulating in political circles suggest Garibashvili may have been an unexpected financier of the widespread protests that rocked the capital on October 4.

The State Security Service (SSS) of Georgia has confirmed an extensive operation, conducting searches across 24 homes belonging to various former officials. Among those targeted alongside ex-Premier Garibashvili were Giorgi Liluashvili, a former head of the SSS himself, and Otar Partskhaladze, the former Prosecutor General. The sheer scale of the seizures is striking: authorities reported confiscating over $7 million in cash, 198 pieces of jewelry and luxury watches, a collection of expensive paintings, thousands of pages of diverse documents, 50 mobile phones, and 119 other electronic devices.

Emzar Gagnidze, head of the SSS Anti-Corruption Agency, stated that these actions were undertaken “within the framework of ongoing investigations into various criminal cases.” However, Gagnidze conspicuously avoided providing specifics regarding the nature of these alleged crimes or the exact individuals implicated. He did, however, stress that the vast amount of information contained within the seized documents and electronic devices is undergoing “intensive” study and processing, and that the origins of the confiscated millions are actively being traced. Gagnidze vowed that “further investigative and operational actions will be planned based on the processed information, and legal measures will be taken against the relevant persons.”

This dramatic series of raids follows a period marked by numerous resignations and legal challenges against individuals associated with Garibashvili. While the “Georgian Dream” party labels these efforts as a legitimate fight against corruption, critics and political opponents widely interpret the unfolding events as a calculated purge by Bidzina Ivanishvili, aimed at consolidating power and neutralizing former allies who may have fallen out of favor.

Garibashvili himself announced his resignation as Prime Minister in late 2023, a decision that followed public criticism over his alleged use of a government aircraft to transport his son for studies in the United States. He subsequently assumed the chairmanship of the “Georgian Dream” party, handing the premiership to Irakli Kobakhidze. Garibashvili remained in this party leadership role until April 2025, when he declared his intention to withdraw from politics entirely, though his tenure as party chairman had been largely unremarkable.

Under the new leadership of Prime Minister Kobakhidze, a significant reshuffle has taken place, with nearly all ministers appointed during Garibashvili’s tenure having been replaced. Furthermore, the anti-corruption drive has already claimed other high-profile figures, including former Deputy Economy Minister Romeo Mikautadze and ex-Defense Minister Juansher Burchuladze, both of whom were arrested on corruption charges.

Politologist Gia Abashidze, speaking to “NG,” highlighted the shock waves these searches have sent through Georgian society. Abashidze underscored Garibashvili’s deep ties to Ivanishvili, noting his foundational role in “Georgian Dream” and prior employment at Ivanishvili’s Cartu Bank. He recounted popular theories, including one suggesting Garibashvili may have committed “treason” by financing radical opposition groups, possibly even those attempting to seize power on October 4. Abashidze also referenced revelations prior to local elections about a $700 million money laundering scheme involving officials, though he noted no direct link had been drawn to Garibashvili yet. Another persistent rumor, from April, suggested Garibashvili’s intention to form his own political party upon leaving “Georgian Dream,” potentially recruiting members of his former cabinet.

Notably, Garibashvili has not fled the country. Instead, he appears to be seeking solace and support from the influential Georgian Orthodox Church. On the morning of October 19, Archbishop Iakob of Bodbe posted a photograph with the former premier on social media, while Metropolitan Antoniy (Bulukhia) of Vani and Bagdati delivered a stark message, likening the “Georgian Dream” to the Bolsheviks. The Metropolitan expressed particular dismay at the SSS’s lack of transparency regarding whose millions were seized and the justifications for such actions.

In a parallel development, Archimandrite Dorote has publicly proclaimed Rustaveli Avenue, the perennial epicenter of Georgian protests, as a “gateway to Georgia.” In a recent sermon, Dorote passionately described the avenue as a “miracle,” urging people to come out and meet the “amazing people” gathered there, signaling a growing alignment between parts of the church and the protest movement.